Press

Press in the News

Datesort icon Title Blurb Tags
May 7, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Writer Says Sect Harasses Her In sect documents released by federal court order in 1976, Paulette Cooper emerged as perhaps Scientology's most hated enemy because of her damaging writings about the sect and its activities. According to the documents, she was the target of "Operation Freakout," a plan to get her "incarcerated in a mental institution or jail, or at least hit her so hard that she drops her attacks." Press
May 6, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Sect Hearings Open Calmly Testimony began in the much-awaited and much-publicized hearings that city officials said could result in two ordinances aimed at curbing Scientology solicitation and alleged fraudulent activities. City commissioners and officials were cautious throughout the hearings, careful to stick to the business side of the church and not delve into religious aspects. Press
May 6, 1982 Clearwater Sun: L. Ron Hubbard's Son Says His Father 'Destroys' Foes The son of L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, testified Wednesday his father was obsessed with controlling people and "destroyed" those who opposed him and the church. Press
May 6, 1982 Clearwater Sun: They'll Take the Kool-Aid The Fort Harrison Hotel in downtown Clearwater could be the scene of another Jonestown-type mass suicide when Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard dies, according to Ed Walters, a former high-ranking church official. Press
May 5, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Hubbard's Son Will Testify Today The son of L. Ron Hubbard, founder of the Church of Scientology, testified in the opening round of public hearings on the sect. Boston attorney Michael Flynn, who proposed the hearings in 1981, said Ron DeWolfe - once known as L. Ron Hubbard Jr. - would be the second witness to be heard in City Hall, following Ed Walters, a former high-ranking church officer. Press
May 4, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Petitioners Back Hearings on Sect More than 450 people signed petitions in support of the Clearwater's efforts "to inspect and regulate Scientology activites". Press
May 3, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Sect Victims' Fund Asks For Rent-Free Stadium Use The Scientology Victims' Defense Fund requested that Clearwater waive rental fees for the organization to use Jack Russell Stadium. Press
May 2, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Sect Role in City's Hearing Up in Air When Clearwater's public hearings on Scientology begin, one of the main players may be conspicuously absent: the Church of Scientology itself. The sect's Tampa lawyer said if the hearings proceed as mapped out by city officials, the church will not participate. Press
May 2, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Michael Flynn: Idealistic, Involved Michael Flynn spearheaded litigation against Scientology in dozens of lawsuits. Flynn was hired by Clearwater to act as its consultant during its public hearings into operations of the Church of Scientology. In that capacity, he will introduce witnesses and testimony gathered during his battles with the church. Press
May 2, 1982 Clearwater Sun: Sect Still Scrapping in Five Local Lawsuits In May 1982, Scientology had at least five lawsuits active in Pinellas County, involving harassment of the mayor and his wife, complaint against the tax assessor, and suits by former members over their ill-treatment. Press

Press in the News

Date Titlesort icon Blurb Tags
May 12, 2006 Polish Scientologists Ordered to Remove Tents When Scientology erected tents in Warsaw's city center to attract new members, city officials ordered them taken down. Press
September 30, 1996 Patrice Vic Trial Begins - Scientology Executive Charged with Manslaughter Trial begins in the death of Patrice Vic. Scientology executive Jean-Jacques Mazier is charged with manslaughter, and 22 other Scientologists also face charges. crimes, deaths, France, Patrice Vic, Press