Demonstrations held against Scientology
Updated Sun. Feb. 10 2008 7:21 PM ET
CTV.ca News Staff
Protesters gathered outside Scientology buildings across Canada on Saturday, partly inspired by a loose collective of Internet pranksters who have accused the Church of controlling the lives of followers.
Dozens of protesters in Montreal wore masks to protect their identity. They alleged the Church intimidated critics and pressured members not to leave.
"I think we're bringing attention to them and showing what kind of evil actions they're carrying out," said one man.
Up to 150 protesters -- also wearing masks -- gathered outside the Church's Canadian headquarters in downtown Toronto, as police kept watch.
The Church, which has frequently taken legal action against critics, has called the allegations a hate crime.
"'Anonymous' is perpetrating religious hate crimes against Churches of Scientology and individual Scientologists for no reason other than religious bigotry," the church said in a statement.
It also said the "altruistic purposes" claimed by Anonymous were "no different than those heard from any terrorist or hate group."
Similar protests were held in other Canadian cities like Winnipeg, and in 13 other countries around the world.
...
link
