Wikipedia blocks Scientology from altering entries

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Posted: 30-May-2009 06:24 hrs

Wikipedia has blocked the Church of Scientology from editing entries at the communally-crafted online encyclopedia due to an unrelenting battle over the group's image.

Wikipedia has blocked the Church of Scientology from editing entries at the communally-crafted online encyclopedia due to an unrelenting battle over the group's image.

A "longstanding struggle" between admirers of Scientology and critics of the group prompted Wikipedia on Thursday to bar online edits from computer addresses "owned or operated by the Church of Scientology and its associates."

An array of editors believed to have taken sides in a Scientology public-image war at Wikipedia have also been barred from tinkering with topics related to the church.

"Each side wishes the articles within this topic to reflect their point of view and have resorted to battlefield editing tactics," senior Wikipedia editors said in arbitration committee findings backing the decision.

"The worst casualties have been biographies of living people, where attempts have been repeatedly made to slant the article either towards or against the subject, depending on the point of view of the contributing editor."

A church spokeswoman downplayed the development, saying the Wikipedia arbitration committee is part of a routine process for handling conflicts at the website.

"Do Scientologists care what has been posted on Wikipedia? Of course," said Karin Pouw. "Some of it has been very hateful and erroneous. We hope all this will result in more accurate and useful articles on Wikipedia." — AFP

From TODAYOnline.com; see the source article here.

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Scientology on trial for fraud in France

May 26, 2009 -- Updated 1058 GMT (1858 HKT)

The Church of Scientology's bookshop in Paris is part of the case being heard in France.

PARIS, France (CNN) -- The Church of Scientology went on trial this week in France, accused of fraud in a case that sheds light on the group.

If found guilty, the church could be forced to shut down in France, though appeals could see the case continue for years.

"This is a process in heresy," Daniele Gounord, the spokeswoman for Scientology in France, told reporters.

The two plaintiffs, both women, say they were defrauded by the organization, which is classified as a sect in France.

Their complaints focus on the use of a device that Scientologists say measures spiritual well-being. Members use the electropsychometer, or E-Meter, to "locate areas of spiritual duress or travail so they can be addressed and handled," according to Scientology's Web site.

The women say that, after using the device, they were encouraged to pay for vitamins and books. They say that amounted to fraud.

The first plaintiff, Aude-Claire Malton, is a housekeeper at a Paris hotel who says she spent about €21,000 ($29,000) in "sauna therapy" and classes to "heal the mind," according to French media.

Her fellow plaintiff is Nelly Reziga, who has told French media that her boss fired her because she refused to attend classes at the Scientology church.

Reziga's boss, Max Barbault, was originally a defendant but has died, according to French media.

Six Scientology members are now on trial, along with two corporate entities -- the church and the bookshop it runs in Paris.

If found guilty, the Scientology members would face a maximum of 10 years in prison and fines of as much as €10 million ($13.9 million) each.

The church and the bookshop could be liable for as much as €5 million ($6.95 million) in fines and could be forced to shut down if found guilty.

The trial began Monday and is scheduled to last until June 17. The defendants are expected to appeal if found guilty.

From CNN.com; see the source article here.

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Jett Travolta's Funeral

From Weekend TODAY, PLUS
January 10-11, 2009

A copy of the article...