Court orders halt to surveillance of Scientologists

SAARLOUIS – A court ordered a halt on Wednesday to covert surveillance of Scientologists in Germany’s second-smallest state, Saarland, saying seven years of monitoring the 20 members had not produced any significant evidence of subversion.

The organisation is under watch in most German states because of allegations that it is subversive and that it may bully former members who renounce its ideology of self-improvement.

On appeal, Scientology won its case against the Saarland Office for the Protection of the Constitution, which uses both phone taps and infiltrators to keep tabs on potential subversives.

The superior administrative tribunal in the city of Saarlouis said
use of those methods was disproportionate to any potential threat. A lower tribunal in Saarland had ruled against the Scientologists in 2001.

Judges said seven years of surveillance had not produced “findings that would justify the continuation of this surveillance”. Scientology had no premises in the state, population 1 million, and had fewer than 20 members there.

Last November, the Church of Scientology failed in a court challenge against the federal German Office for the Protection of the Constitution. That court said Scientology had “anti-constitutional” aims.

In its annual report on human rights, the US State Department has accused Germany of religious persecution of Scientologists.

Source

(Listed if other than Religion News Blog, or if not shown above)
DPA, via Expatica.com, Germany
Apr. 27, 2005
www.expatica.com
, , ,

Religion News Blog posted this on Thursday April 28, 2005.
Last updated if a date shows here:

   

More About This Subject

Topics:

AFFILIATE LINKS

Our website includes affiliate links, which means we get a small commission -- at no additional cost to you -- for each qualifying purpose. For instance, as an Amazon Associate, Religion News Blog earns from qualifying purchases. That is one reason why we can provide this research service free of charge.

Speaking of which: One way in which you can support us — at no additional cost to you — is by shopping at Amazon.com.