Scientologists attacked again

Australia - Torture, coerced abortions, embezzlement and blackmail are just some of the accusations tabled by Australian Parliament Senator, Nick Xenophon, against the Church of Scientology. Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has voiced "concerns" about “grave allegations” against the Church since these explosive charges were revealed. Xenophon told the Senate, “Scientology is not a religious organization, it is a criminal organization that hides behind its so-called religious beliefs. Letters received by me which were written by former followers in Australia contains extensive allegations of crimes and abuses that are truly shocking - crimes against them and crimes they say they were coerced into committing.” 

In a statement, the Church responded, "Senator Xenophon is obviously being pressured by disgruntled former members who use hate speech and distorted accounts of their experiences in the Church." It went on to say the allegations "are about as reliable as former spouses are when talking about their ex-partner" and that the Senator is cowering behind parliamentary privilege to avoid libel laws.