Despite the frigid temperatures Sunday, members of the group “Anonymous” — Internet-based activists who oppose Scientology — held a protest outside the Church of Scientology in Farmington Hills.
The protest was part of an international effort to protest Scientolgoy churches at 11 a.m. on Feb. 10. Members of “Anonymous”, who all wore costume masks or ski masks refused to give their names, citing fear of retribution by the church.
About 2:30 p.m., there were just about 30 people left protesting. The group claimed there were about 100 when the protest began at 11 a.m.
Farmington Hills police were on hand to stop the group from holding signs that read, “Honk if you hate Scientology.”
Members of the church released a statement calling the “Anonymous” group “cyber terrorists who hide their identity behind masks and computer anonymity.”
The statement also said: “Anonymous” claims of altruistic purposes are no different than those heard from any terrorist or hate group. We are not the first to be targeted. Using Scientology’s prominence, “Anonymous” hope to garner more attention. “Anonymous” has publicly proclaimed its guiding materials to be the Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf. Quite obviously, this group is not just anti-Scientology, it is anti-freedom of religion and anti-free speech.”