Rehabilitation / Warning

From drug addition into psychological dependency

The Scientology psychocult recruits for drug therapy - no support from the welfare agency

Bozen, Italy
August 30, 2001
Dolomiten Online
http://www.dolomiten.it

Bozen (rc) - With promises of being able to cure any case of drug addiction, the so-called "Therapiegemeinschaften" is now looking in South Tirol for patients for its establishments in mid and southern Italy. The families of the patients are faced with a rude awakening when they get the bill for the first month: five million lira, and it will not be covered by welfare agencies. Those who do not pay must leave, and those who do pay, stay, perhaps forever, in the clutches of the Scientology psycho-cult.

The questionable therapy centers are located in mid and southern Italy, the most well-known of them in the Marches.* The "Dianetics" method supposedly is guaranteed to break addicts of their drug habit. Patients can even be picked up from home by a "counselor" from the "clinic." No long lines to receive therapy, no bureaucratic red tape: even a family from South Tirol let themselves be convinced after hearing about these "advantages."

However, they did not know what they were in for: the reason the "therapy" costs five million lira, which the public coffers do not finance, is that the association is not registered as a conventional therapy association. Another effect of this is that their methods are not monitored by any public agency.

The Bozen welfare agency has also indicated in its public literature that neither is the association part of any project for reintegration into society, such as in seeking help to find work or a place to live. Quite the opposite: as soon as one monthly payment is missed, the patient has to pack his or her bags.

Finally, according to Elio Dell'Antonio, agency chief for those handicapped by dependencies, the providers of the "Dianetics" methods quote themselves as having the same chances of healing addicts as do conventional institutions. He said that patients and their families should not make premature decisions, but should consult with experts who are in regular contact and monitor social therapeutic structures.

*Marches: Less than 10,000 sq. km., four provinces (Pesaro-Urbino, Ancona, Macerata, Ascoli Piceno), 246 municipalities each one with its own original configuration, the Marches (the only Italian region with a plural name) is truly a beautiful territory or, as politicians and economists say, one big town. -- from http://www.wel.it/Welcome/Marche/index.uk.html

JG: Knowledge protects you from Scientology

Bozen, Italy October 25, 2000
Dolomiten Online

Bozen - "The latest developments in Europe bring one to the conclusion that Scientology has not at all stopped recruiting members, or at least will not stop before they get to South Tyrol." The "Junge Generation" made a broadcast along those lines in SUP (JG). It was said that movements which apply the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard need not look in South Tyrol. The JG advises people to get comprehensive information which is available on the internet, among other places:

www.innenministerium.bayern.de/scientology,
www.renatehartwig.de/rob-dir, www.
renatehartwig.de/rob-dir/erklaerungen_index.html.

Sects observed "from inside"

Schlanders, Italy
April 22, 2000
Dolomiten Online

Schlanders (jl) - In her research into the activities of sects, author El Awadalla (see today's other article) often "slipped into" groups as an inconspicuous listener. As to the presence of sects in southern Tirol, El Awadalla believes that the situation is not much different than it is in Austria. She said that there had been a real Scientology hysteria in the past: "It was presumed that a Scientologist was behind every peculiar person." She said that the Jehovah's Witnesses are rather widespread in south Tirol. El Awadalla reported of a company in Bozen in which two very diligent Jehovah's Witnesses worked. Those two arranged the hiring of other "brothers in faith," and it ended up with a regular attempt at a takeover from the proprietor. As far as Satanism goes, El Awadalla believes that much about it is exaggerated, even on the part of the media: "Not everybody who wears black clothes or listens to a particular type of music is a Satanist." That goes just as little for people who like to sit around in cemeteries at night, she said.

Book presentation

Getting in is easy

El Awadalla speaks on sects and esoterica

Schlanders, Italy
April 22, 2000
Dolomiten Online

Schlanders (jl) - "I am not so stupid as to get into that." This, according to El Awadalla, is said by many people, but in reality, it is not that difficult at all to get pulled into sects or esoteric circles.

On Thursday, the Viennese author introduced her new book "Austrian Sects and Esoterica Atlas" in the Schlandersburg Library. There Martin Matscher was able to welcome about 20 visitors in the name of the "Young Generation," the Schlanders Farm Youth association and the community.

El Awadalla sees distinguishing characteristics of sects in group pressure, personal supervision and in the obligation to have to always report about everything in the group. Furthermore, she stated, sects always have a leader figure. She gave Scientology and the Moon sect as examples.

What was particularly dangerous, according to El Awadalla, was when sects founded political parties for the purpose of gaining political influence. In contrast to sects, she said, esoteric circles, as a rule, did not have fixed members. The expert believes one of the main reasons that sects have gotten a running start is "that we live in a very complicated world and that sects consciously give out the simplified answers which many people seek and want." She said the search for meaning in life also played a role.

The book presentation with lecture and discussion was part of a larger exhibition on "Sects - Satanism - Occult," which can be seen up until Easter Monday from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 4-7 p.m. in the Schlanders Meeting House.

Only information continues to help

Vetzan, Italy
June 1, 1999
Dolomiten Online

Many Catholics have a need to gain back familiarity with the Bible

Vetzan (g) - At the urging of the Catholic Men's Association, the Women's Association and "KVW" local groups, Professor Peter Egger, teacher at Vinzentinum in Brixen, gave a talk on the standpoint of the Catholic Church on the theme of sects, youth religions and non-denominational churches. People were waiting restlessly in their seats at the church hall. The presentation began with a prayer.

Anyone who wants to approach this subject must first be able to see through it - this sentence could tie together the topical thread of the lecture on sects and youth religions. Professor Peter Egger, born a native of Bozen and educated in philosophy and literature, tried in the truest meaning of the expression to clear the waters for the almost 60 residents of Vetzan. He made repeated mention of the need of Catholics to catch up in speaking, in reading the Bible and in living with more self-awareness in the thousand year old tradition of the church.

Egger's statements were lucidly articulated, very true to life, and supported and made intelligible through personal experiences and episodes.

Of the countless number of groups just within the realm of Christianity, the speaker chose the classic sects of the Adventists, Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses, and analyzed their fascination to modern day people. Among these were clear, understandable statements and tight leadership. Many of the young people and adults have had numerous disappointing experiences with the state churches and with the lack of understanding from society, for these people, groups like the Moon sect, the Hare Krishna disciples and the Scientology adherents open their doors.

Egger then discussed in detail the so-called non-denominational churches. As evangelical movements they have Protestant origins and separate themselves from any church authority or tradition. By this the church is denied the intermediary function between God and earthly life.

Not quite meeting the expectations of the audience, Professor Egger only touched the fringes of the themes of Satanism and Black Magic, and only delved into those areas upon being questioned by the audience.

Sects a Danger for Youth

From "Dolomiten Online"
April 8, 1998

Kastelbell (kb) - A presentation concerning the topic "Sects in our Society. A Danger for Youth?" was held in the Kastelbell Community Center by Andrea Kuntner, the Youth Director for the SVP District. The Young Generation in the SVP have dealt with this subject intensively in the past year. The YG is the first line of information, said Kuntner. She gave real-life examples and referred to the fact that, most of all, sects who promise young people the solution to their problems, discovery of perceptions, and self-actualization, are most interested in their own profit.

It is not always easy to differentiate harmless splinter groups from large church institutions from dangerous sects. Caution is advised when expensive seminars and patent solutions of all types of life crises are offered. One should be especially alert if the new "friends" advice disconnection from family and friends. Another characteristic of sects is catastrophe theories or peculiar attitudes, such as the refusal of blood transfusion of the Jehova's Witnesses. As far as the situation of the sects in South Tyrol, in particular in regard to Scientology, said Kuntner, that there have been reports, but rarely concrete evidence for the activities of this sect. The places to watch are the establishments which officer seminars in commercial areas. The sects do not have a high tolerance for those who leave. In this regard there is much evidence for terrorism and persecution of "apostates." Kuntner presumes that gangs are behind the satanic youth cults that everybody is talking about. Therefore it would pay to keep an eye on them.

Spanish Parliament plans
Sect Observation Agency

Madrid, Spain
May 26, 1999
epd

Madrid (epd). The Spanish Parliament intends to establish a Sect Observation agency. One year ago Interior Minister Jaime Mayor Oreja had warned of a rise in doomsday sects because of the end of the millennium, and now the lower House of Representatives sees this step as being urgently needed, reported the daily newspaper "El Pais" on Wednesday.

The Interior Minister, upon an inquiry from Parliament, estimated the number of "destructive sects" in Spain at about 200 and the number of sect adherents at between 100,000 and 150,000. This information was too imprecise for the representatives. The Lower House voted unanimously on Tuesday that the administration should establish a sect observation agency.

England does not recognize Scientology as a charitable organization

London, England
December 10, 1999
AFP Agence France-Presse GmbH

England has declined to accept the Scientology organization as a charitable organization. The commission which had jurisdiction in the matter announced its decision on Thursday that Scientology does not serve the public's welfare. The [Scientology] organization announced that it would take legal steps against the rejection. Scientology had applied for the status of a charitable organization on the basis that the organization was founded for the advancement of religion and for the promotion "of moral and spiritual welfare" and well as the "improvement of the community." The British Charity Commission did not accept either argument.

The Commission explained that, according to its findings, the core activities of the Scientologists, namely psycho-techniques, concentrated on the private arena. Therefore, regardless of the question of whether the organization was a religion or not, it could not be classified as charitable under English law. Scientology dismissed the decision as discriminatory and announced that it would file an appeal in court. Scientology is recognized as a church in the USA. In contrast, the organization in Germany is regarded as a commercial enterprise with totalitarian goals and is under surveillance by Constitutional Security in individual states.

from
http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk

CHARITY COMMISSION
DECISION OF THE COMMISSIONERS
APPLICATION BY THE CHURCH OF SCIENTOLOGY (ENGLAND AND WALES)
FOR REGISTRATION AS A CHARITY

The Church of Scientology (the Church) is an international organisation which promotes a belief system, doctrines and practices known as Scientology. The international headquarters of the Church are in the United States, but assets which are owned by the Church in this country are currently held and administered by a branch of the Church incorporated in Australia. The Church has now established a company incorporated under the Companies Acts and limited by guarantee called Church of Scientology (England and Wales) (CoS) to further its work in this country. In September 1996, CoS applied to the Commission for registration as a charity pursuant to section 3(2) of the Charities Act 1993. Since that date CoS has had a regular dialogue with the Commission about the application. The application made by CoS was supported by a full legal and factual case and expert evidence. CoS argues that it is a body established for the charitable purpose of the advancement of religion under the third head of charity law, or, in the alternative, if not so established, that it is established for a charitable purpose which promotes the moral or spiritual welfare or improvement of the community under the fourth head of charity law. Whether under the third head or fourth head of charity law, CoS argues that it is established for the public benefit.

A significant element in the application made by CoS is that the Commissioners ought to have regard to the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which is not directly applicable until the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) is in force. This is likely to be in October 2000. Once the HRA is implemented, it will be unlawful for the Commissioners, as a public authority, to act in a way incompatible with ECHR. This would include decisions of the Commissioners with regard to the registration of charities. Any common law authorities would accordingly need to be interpreted in a way consistent with ECHR as interpreted by case law of the European Court of Human Rights and opinions and decisions of the European Commission. Until the HRA is in force, the Commissioners are under no clear legal obligation to take into account ECHR in considering issues related to charitable status and accordingly the registration of charities.

The Commissioners however decided that as a matter of good practice, prudence and indirect legal obligation, they would, in considering CoS's application for registration as a charity, construe the relevant legal authorities, where they were ambiguous, in a way compatible with ECHR and would otherwise take a broad and flexible approach to the relevant legal authorities in keeping with their policy and practice concerning the recognition of new charitable purposes as set out in the Report of the Charity Commissioners for 1985 at paras. 24-27.

The Commissioners having considered the full legal and factual case put to them by CoS, and having reviewed the relevant law, taking into account the principles embodied in ECHR where appropriate, decided that CoS was not established for charitable purposes or for the public benefit and was therefore not registrable as a charity under section 3(2) of the Charities Act 1993.

In making that determination the Commissioners further concluded as follows:

(1) That CoS is not charitable as an organisation established for the charitable purpose of the advancement of religion because, having regard to the relevant law and evidence, Scientology is not a religion for the purposes of English charity law.

(a) The Commissioners considered that the legal authorities establishing the meaning of religion in charity law were ambiguous, but having construed such authorities in a way compatible with ECHR they concluded that the definition of religion was characterised by a belief in a supreme being and an expression of belief in that supreme being through worship. Re South Place Ethical Society [1980] 1 WLR 1565, Dillon J at p. 1572 D-E.

(b) The Commissioners decided that the concept of a supreme being was broader than the theistic concept of a personal creator god, but otherwise it would not be proper to specify the precise nature of that concept or require it to be analogous to the deity or supreme being of any particular religion. However the Commissioners did not find themselves compelled to reject the concept of theism altogether nor to accept the abstract concept of the notion of a supernatural thing or principle. The Commissioners concluded that Scientology believed in a supreme being.

(c) The Commissioners decided that the criterion of worship would be met where the belief in a supreme being found its expression in conduct indicative of reverence or veneration for the supreme being. R v Registrar General ex parte Segerdal [1970] 2 QB, 697 Winn LJ at p. 709A. It was not possible to worship an ethical or philosophical ideal with reverence. Re South Place Ethical Society, Dillon J at p. 1573A. Worship may manifest itself in particular activities which might include acts of submission, veneration, praise, thanksgiving, prayer or intercession. R v Registrar General ex parte Segerdal, Buckley LJ at p. 709 F-G.. The Commissioners having considered the activities of auditing and training, which Scientology regards as its worship, concluded that auditing is more akin to therapy or counselling and training more akin to study and that both auditing and training are not in their essence exhibitions of reverence paid to a supreme being and such Scientology practices are not worship for the purposes of charity law.

The Commissioners decided that auditing and training do not constitute worship as defined and interpreted from the legal authorities.

(2) That CoS was not established for the charitable purpose of promoting the moral or spiritual welfare and improvement of the community.

(a) The Commissioners considered that CoS was not analogous to the established legal authorities which governed this area of the law. Re Scowcroft [1898] 2 Ch 638, Re Hood [1931] 1 Ch 240, Re Price [1943] Ch 422, Re South Place Ethical Society. They concluded CoS was not analogous to the decided cases because it promoted a formal and highly structured system of belief (which it regarded as a religion), necessitating membership of or adherence to a particular organisation for access to or participation in its doctrines, practices and beliefs such that these were not generally available to the public at large. However the Commissioners further concluded that these legal authorities were ambiguous.

(b) The Commissioners considered and interpreted these authorities compatibly with ECHR and concluded that the key aspects of the charitable purpose of promoting the moral and spiritual welfare or improvement of the community which could be discerned from these authorities was that the doctrines, beliefs and practices involved were generally accessible to the public and capable of being applied or adopted by them according to individual judgement or choice from time to time in such a way that the moral and spiritual welfare or improvement of the community might result. Re Price, Cohen J at p. 432. Accordingly, the Commissioners concluded, it would be possible for non-religious belief systems promoted by a membership organisation to be established for such a purpose if those criteria were satisfied.

(c) The Commissioners considered in relation to the doctrines and practices of CoS whether these were so accessible and capable of such application, but concluded that because of the nature and organised practice of the beliefs of Scientology they were on balance neither so accessible nor could be so applied such that the moral and spiritual welfare or improvement of the community might result.

(3) That CoS was not established for the public benefit.

In considering the legal test applied to organisations established for purposes falling within the first three heads of charity law in that they were entitled to the presumption of public benefit and the different legal test applied to the fourth head of charity law where public benefit had to be demonstrated, the Commissioners considered that such a distinction between the legal tests was consistent with ECHR. Public benefit was a requirement of charity and needed to be established in every case. Public benefit was therefore considered on a case by case basis. Under the first three heads of charity, it had been established that public benefit was presumed to exist although in individual cases it may need to be proved if there was evidence to the contrary. For the fourth head of charity, public benefit needed to be established although there were cases where it may be self evident and need not be proved.

The Commissioners considered whether if CoS had been established for the charitable purpose of advancing religion, it was also established for the public benefit. The Commissioners considered the presumption of public benefit applicable to organisations established for the advancement of religion. They concluded that, as in the case of all organisations established for charitable purposes, public benefit had to be present in fact for an organisation established for the advancement of religion to be charitable. Coats v Gilmour CA [1948] Ch 340, Lord Greene MR at p. 344. They further considered that in the case of such organisations, the presumption may be rebutted by evidence indicating public benefit may not be present and such evidence was not confined to evidence suggesting that the organisation was adverse to religion or subversive of morality. Coats v Gilmour, C.A., Lord Greene MR at p. 345, In re Hetherington, decd. [1990] Ch 1, Sir Nicholas Browne-Wilkinson V.C. at p. 12 D-G. The Commissioners decided that in the case of CoS, the relative newness of Scientology and the judicial and public concerns which had been expressed about its beliefs and practices, led them to conclude that it should not be entitled to the presumption of public benefit. Accordingly, it was for CoS to demonstrate that it was established for the public benefit.

The Commissioners considered the legal test of public benefit to be applied to organisations established for the advancement of religion. They concluded that where the practice of religion is essentially private, or is limited to a private class of individuals not extending to the public generally, the element of public benefit will not be established. In re Hetherington, decd., Sir Nicholas Browne-Wilkinson V.C. at p. 12 D-G, Coats v Gilmour CA, Lord Evershed at p. 357. The Commissioners considered that this test must be applied to the core practices of such an organisation and not to incidental activities or other activities which may already be regarded as charitable.

After reviewing the practices of auditing and training, considered by CoS to be the central features of the practice of Scientology, the Commissioners considered that these are in fact conducted in private and not in public and that in their very nature are private rather than public activities such that no legally recognised benefit could be said to be conferred on the public. It could not be concluded that the benefits of the practice of Scientology extended beyond the participants. Accordingly public benefit was not established.

The Commissioners went on to consider whether, if CoS had been established for a charitable purpose of promoting the moral or spiritual welfare or improvement of the community, it was also established for the public benefit. The Commissioners considered that it was for CoS to establish public benefit as this was a purpose falling within the fourth head of charity law. The Commissioners considered the relevant legal test of public benefit to be applied to organisations established under the fourth head of charity. The Commissioners concluded that the test was that the whole tendency of charity in the legal sense under the fourth head is towards tangible and objective benefits but that in the case of an intangible benefit that at least approval by the common understanding of enlightened opinion for the time being would be necessary before an intangible benefit could be taken to constitute sufficient benefit to the community. National Anti Vivisection Society v IRC [1948] AC 31, Lord Wright at p. 49. The Commissioners considered that in the case of the purpose of promoting the moral or spiritual welfare or improvement of the community, and thus of CoS, the issue was one of intangible benefit and that in relation to intangible benefit the Commissioners considered the legal test to refer to a common consensus of opinion amongst people who were fair minded and free from prejudice or bias. The Commissioners considered the core practices of Scientology, namely auditing and training, and concluded that the private conduct and nature of these practices together with their general lack of accessibility meant that the benefits were of a personal as opposed to a public nature. Accordingly, following the legal test referred to above, public benefit had not been established.

AGPF: Information on Sects, Cults and the Psycho-Market

AGPF - Aktion fuer Geistige und Psychische Freiheit e.V., Bonn
Campaign for Intellectual and Psychic Freedom, Inc., Bonn

Address of the German page from which this was translated:
http://home.t-online.de/home/AGPF.Bonn/belgi1.htm
The version that was translated was last updated: December 6, 1999

On this page:

Scientology files seized in Belgium
The Law
The accompanying decree

Scientology files seized in Belgium

Brussels October 1, 1999 (AFP) - Police in Belgium have seized thousands of files on members of the Scientology organization. As the speaker for the state attorney's office stated in Brussels on Friday, Scientologist bookkeeping records were also confiscated during a search-and-seizure the day prior. According to the statement, nobody was initially charged. Several suspects were questioned and then released. At the urging of the Belgian authorities, raids also took place in Paris on Thursday. According to the Brussels state attorney's office, the confiscated documents contain confidential statements on the organization's members. The search and seizure operations are the first time the Belgian Justice Department has taken large scale action against the controversial sect, which has resided in the country since 1974. This had been preceded by a former Scientology adherent's charge of fraud after she lost part of her savings to the organization. Belgian newspaper "Le Soir" has meanwhile reported that at least five accounts had been opened in Luxemburg which have a connection to the Scientology Organization.

In one approximately 90 million marks have been deposited since 1993.

This account was divided into 15 sub-accounts, with names like "Tor" as in "Toronto," Toky as in Tokyo, Los for Los Angeles or Cura for Curacao in the Dutch Antilles. While this is indeed legal, it brings up the suspicion that Scientology intended to camouflage its worldwide financial structure, the newspaper further reported.

It was reported that Belgium was "obligated" to make inquiries about the sect's financing via Luxemburg.

© AFP
011509 Oct 99

The Law

Belgian Kingdom
Justice Ministry
2 Jun 98

Law for the creation of an Information and Counseling Center on dangerous sect organizations and an administrative staff to coordinate the fight against dangerous sect organizations

ALBERT II., King of the Belgians,

To all present and future, Our greetings.

The following has been accepted from the chambers and is approved by Us.

CHAPTER 1. Initial Determinations

This law regulates a subject area earmarked by Article 78 of the Constitution.
Article 2. In the sense of this law, "dangerous sect organization" means any philosophical or religious organization or any other organization which passes itself off as such which dedicates itself to organizationally or functionally harmful, illegal activities, which poses a risk to society or the individual, or which violates human dignity.

The endangering character of an association will be reviewed with respect to the basic paragraphs which are anchored in regulations and decrees, in the Constitution, in laws, as well as in the Human Rights Treaty ratified by Belgium for the preservation of Human rights.


CHAPTER II. Information and Counseling Center on dangerous Sect Organizations

Article 3. An independent center associated with the Justice Ministry with the designation of "Information and Counseling Center on Dangerous Sect Organizations," hereinafter referred to as "the Center," will be created. The main office of the Center will be established in the "Brussels Capitol City" administrative district.

Article 4. § 1. The Center will consist of twelve official members and twelve representative members, who will be selected by the Representative Chamber with a two-thirds majority. Six official members and six representative members will be named on recommendation by the ministerial council, whereby two candidates will be recommended for every one position to be filled.

For the members named directly by the Chamber as well as those named on recommendation from the ministerial council, language parity between the Dutch-speaking and the French-speaking members will be maintained.

At least one official and one representative member will possess a knowledge of German.

The Representative Chamber will name the chairman and the representative chairman from the circle of the official members.

§ 2. The members will be named for a term of four years, which can be renewed one time, from the group of potential candidates who are recognized for their knowledge of the problems of dangerous sect organizations, their experiences therewith and their interest therein. They must offer all guarantees which enable them an independent, objective and unbiased fulfillment of their mission.

In case of non-fulfillment of their duties or transgression of the dignity of their office, official or representative members can be relieved of their assignments by the Representative Chamber.

§ 3. In order to be named and remain official or representative members, the candidates must fulfill the following conditions:

1. the must be in possession of civil and political rights;
2. they may be neither a member of the European Parliament, nor of the legislative chamber, nor of a community or regional council, nor of the federal administration or of a community or regional administration.

§ 4. Members of the Center are prohibited from consulting in matters in which they have a personal or direct interest or in which dependents or relatives of up to the fourth degree have a personal or direct interest.

§ 5. In the incapacitation or absence of an official member, the vacancy will be filled by his representative. The official or representative member whose term ends before the expiration of the four year term will, in accordance with the procedure in § 1, be replaced by an official or representative member who will be named for the remainder of the term.

The King determines the particulars of the compensation of the Center's members.

Article 5. Within two months of its establishment, the Center will produce a system of doing of business. This will be presented for a vote to the Representative Chamber.

Article 6. § 1. The Center is entrusted with the following missions:

1. Investigation into the phenomenon of dangerous sect organizations in Belgium as well as their international connections;

3. Guaranteeing receipt and publication of information, as well as instruction of anyone seeking advice on his rights, duties and the possibilities of implementing his claims;
4. Formulation, either from self initiative or upon agency request, of opinions and recommendations on the phenomenon of dangerous sect organizations, and especially on the politics in respect to the combatting these organizations;

§ 2. In the fulfillment of these missions, the Center is authorized:

1. to collect all information available;
2. to set up scientific studies or research required in the execution of these mission;
3. to put together any archive or documentation material whose theme relates to its missions;
4. to give support and counseling to establishments, organizations and legal advisors;
5. to consult or invite to its sessions associations and qualified persons whose presence appears useful to it;

In fulfillment of its missions, the Center will work together with the Coordinating Staff.

§ 3. In fulfillment of its mission in accordance with § 1 numbers 1 and 3, the Center is authorized to handle personally related data on the philosophical and religious activities in accordance with Article 6 of the Law of 8 December 1992 for the Protection of Private Life with respect to dealing with personally related data.

The King lays down in decree advised by the ministerial council the guarantees regarding the confidentiality and security of personally related data, the status and the mission of a Personal Protection Commissioner in the Center, as well and the style and means of how the Center will report to the Commission for the Protection of Private Life on the handling of personally related data.

§ 4. The information which the Center provides in response to public inquiry will be based on the information it has at hand, and may not be imparted in the form of lists or systematic exhibits on dangerous sect organizations.

Article 7. Opinions and recommendations are to be founded.

Subject to a differing decision by the Center, the opinions need orderly proof.

Article 8. § 1. The Center may make a decision only if the majority of its members are present. It makes its decisions with an absolute majority. In case of a tied vote, the vote of the chairman or, in his absence, his representative, will be the deciding factor.

Accepted opinions are given by the diversely expressed standpoints.

§ 2. The Center has at its disposal the stenographic records of public hearings by the Parliamentary investigative committee of the Representatives Chamber for the conception of a politic to combat illegal sect practices and the dangers they present to society and people, especially minors.

Article 9. In the fulfillment of all of its missions, the Center can call upon experts. The King will determine the compensation for these experts.

Article 10. All persons who deal with confidential, personally related data which the Center has collected will be subject to mandatory nondisclosure in accordance with Article 458 StGB. This requirement also applies to any outsider who is called upon by the Center as expert, opinion researcher or staff.

Article 11. Every two years, the center will present an activity report. This report will be distributed to the ministerial council, to the legislative chambers and to the councils and administrations of regions and communities.

Article 12. The Center will have a secretariat at its disposal.

Personnel will be made available to the Justice Department in regard to past positions of the Center.

Personnel will report directly to the chairman of the Center.

The Center's operating expenses will be deducted from the budget of the Justice Ministry.


CHAPTER III. Administrative staff to Coordinate Combat against dangerous Sect Organizations (Coordinating Staff)

Article 13. An administrative staff to coordinate combat against dangerous sect organizations will be established with the Justice Ministry.

Article 14. The Coordinating Staff will be directed by the Justice Minister or by one commissioned by him.

The King determines the composition of the Coordinating Staff through decree advised by ministerial council.

Article 15. The Coordinating Staff is entrusted with the following missions:

1. Coordinating measures being carried out by agencies and offices responsible;
2. Observation of the development of illegal practices by dangerous sect organizations;
3. Suggesting measures for improving coordination and impact of these measures;
4. Promotion of a politic of warning the public about the activities of dangerous sect organizations, in accord with agencies and offices responsible;
5. Producing a close cooperation with the Center and comprehension of the measures necessary for the implementation of suggestions and recommendations from the Center.

Article 16. The King determines the particulars of the operation and the organization of the Coordinating Staff by decree under advise of the ministerial council.

We announce this law and instruct that it receive the state seal and is distributed in Belgian Law (Moniteur belge).

Given in Brussels on June 2, 1998.

ALBERT
In commission of the King:
The Justice Minister
T. VAN PARYS
sealed with the State Seal:
The Justice Minister
T. VAN PARYS

The Decree

Kingdom of Belgium
Justice Ministry

Royal decree to determine the composition, the method of operation and the organization of the administrative staff to coordinate the combat of dangerous sect organizations
of 8 November 1998

ALBERT II., King of the Belgians,

To all present and future, Our greetings.

Based on the Law of 2 June 1998 on the creation of an Information and Counseling Center on dangerous sect organizations and of an administrative staff to coordinate combat against dangerous sect organizations;
Based on the position of the Finance Inspector of 10 September 1998;
Based on the Laws on State Council, coordinated on 12 January 1973, in particular Article 3 §1, revised by the Laws of 9 August 1980, 16 June 1989, 4 July 1989 and 4 August 1989;
In view of the urgency,
In consideration that the Parliamentary investigative committee, which is commissioned with the conception of a politic to combat illegal practices of sects and the dangers which they present to society and people, especially minors, has referred to the urgency of establishing a coordinating staff in order to create, in the least amount of time, an organ which has the mission to ensure the continued pursuit of the phenomenon;
In consideration that the Law for the creation of an Information and Counselling Center on dangerous sect organizations and for the creation of a coordinating staff has been signed on 2 June 1998 by the King and it has been demonstrated that the law and the implementation decree be distributed as rapidly as possible so that the Information and Counselling Center and the coordinating staff can take up their work from the 1st of January 1999;

WE HAVE INSTRUCTED AND INSTRUCT THE FOLLOWING.

CHAPTER 1. COMPOSITION OF THE COORDINATING STAFF
Article 1.

The coordinating staff established by Article 13 of the Law of 2 June 1998 will be composed as follows:

- a representative of the General State Attorney's Office;
- a national judge;
- a representative of the gendarmery;
- a representative of the criminal police;
- a representative of the General Police of the Kingdom with the Ministry of the Interior;
- a representative of the Ministry for Civil Service;
- a representative of the State Security Administration;
- a representative of the General Directorate of Civil Legislation and Culture of the Ministry of Justice;
- a representative of the General Directorate of Criminal Legislation and Human Rights of the Ministry of Justice;
- a representative of the Department of Criminal Police of the Ministry of Justice;
- a representative of the Ministry of the Interior;
- a representative of the Ministry of Revenue;
- a representative of the Ministry of Employment and Labor;
- a representative of the Ministry of National Defense.

Article 2.
For every representative a deputy representative will be named.

Article 3.
The representatives and their deputies will be named by the Justice Department after they have been introduced by the agency to which they belong.

CHAPTER II. OPERATING PROCEDURE OF THE COORDINATING STAFF
Article 4.

The Chairman determines place, day and hour of the opening of the sessions and produces the meeting agenda.
Any member has the right to request the chairman to include items in the meeting agenda.
The Chairman of the Counselling and Information Center for dangerous sect organizations also has the right to ask the chairman to include points in the meeting's agenda.

Article 5.
Except for cases of utmost urgency, the invitations, the meeting agenda and accompanying documents are to be made available to the members at least eight days in advance by the secretary after the chairman has verified the meeting.

Article 6.
Members who are incapacitated will be represented by their deputies and will give these their documents.

Article 7.
The Coordinating Staff will regularly meet only if at least half of its members or their representatives are present.

In the lack of a majority, the members will be newly called in; in this case the Coordinating Staff will meet in accordance with the law independent of the number of members present.

Article 8.
Each member of the Coordinating Staff, or in case of incapacitation his representative, has one vote.
Decisions will be accepted unanimously by members present.

The Chairman of the Information and Counseling Center on dangerous sect organizations or his representative can:
- be invited to participate in the sessions of the Coordinating Staff;
- be heard, if required by the meeting agenda.

Article 9.
The Secretary produces the session minutes.
Upon approval by the Chairman, the minutes are appended to the invitations.
Members will communicate their comments up until one day before the session.

Article 10.
All opinions and recommendations formulated by the Center under Article 6 § 1 number 4 of the Law of 2 June 1998 will be conveyed to the Chairman of the Coordinating Staff by the Center.

In speaking with the Center, the Coordinating Staff will regulate the details:
- of organizing resources
- of organizing the control of the implementation of the recommendations and opinions of the Center, insofar as these fall in its area of responsibility.

Article 11.
The measures suggested by the Coordinating Staff will be communicated, in writing, to the agencies concerned as well as the chairman of the Center.

Article 12.
In the scope of its mission area, the Coordinating Staff will align itself with all agencies and administrations. It can invite them to speak or seek information. Federal agencies must give the Coordinating Staff the information it requests.

Article 13.
The Coordinating Staff will meet at least once every two months.

Every six months, the Coordinating Staff will report on its work to the Center.

CHAPTER III. ORGANIZATION
Article 14.
Together, the members of the Coordinating Staff form the "Office." The "Office" names a committee for the daily transaction of business, which consists of the chairman, which belongs to him by right, and two selected members.

Article 15.
The Coordinating Staff can form internal sub-groups if this is justified by special circumstances.

Article 16.
The Justice Minister will put at the disposal of the Coordinating Staff administrative personnel, office spaces and office supplies.

Article 17.
Articles 1 to 4 go into effect in the Belgian Legal Page (Moniteur belge) on the day of this decree and, as concerns the remaining articles, on 1 January 1999.

Article 18.
Our Justice Minister is entrusted with the implementation of this decree.

given
in commission of the King
Tony VAN PARYS


1st Version of this page 6 Dec 99


This is an English translation of a page published in Germany by:
Ingo Heinemann

Sect expert Ursula Jaquemar guest speaker at the Advent Meeting of the Women's Union

The search for Meaning

Liechtenstein
December 2, 1999
Liechtensteiner Volksblatt

by Jnes Rampone-Wanger

The end of the millennium offers all kinds of "fodder" for doomsday fanatics and sects. However, personal problems, fear and insecurity also provide new religious association with the opportunity to recruit members. At the traditional Advent Meeting of the Women's Union, Ursula Jaquemar, psychotherapist and sect commissioner of our country, reported on "Illumination and Illusion."

Job anxiety, family problems, war, famine and violence plague the lives of many people. Most of all when growing up or in difficult phases of life - after the death of a loved one or after a divorce - people search for meaning in life, for security and safety. Whoever is lonely in such situations and feels misunderstood finds pause and understanding in new religious groups. There is really nothing wrong with that, but at the Vaduz Mill, Ursula Jaquemar demonstrated - after a cordial welcome by Women's Union President Dorothee Laternser - the dangers of sects.

What is a sect?

But when do we talk about a sect? Ursula Jaquemar prefers the term "new religious movements" when she talks about what we locally call sects, and she warns against demonizing anything outside the traditional churches. The expert sees dangers to the psyche and, often, to the bank account when certain factors are present which restrict the freedom of members in an anti-social manner. In the short but informational presentation, Ursula Jaquemar told the guests of the Advent meeting about several characteristics which distinguish sects.

A claim to total absolutism - which we recognize, for example, in exponents of the Catholic Church - is always a part of a cult, such as Jehovah's Witnesses, Fiat Lux or Scientology. In addition to that, however, are other factors by which religious movements put people at risk. Most have a messiah at the head who thinks of himself as a god (and for whom an ungodly amount of money is asked, such as with Scientology.) Many sects are also marked by blind obedience, total control and dependency upon the group. An essential characteristic comes to light when a member wants to leave the group. While this, in the state churches, is a personal decision which is accepted reticently, cults, for the most part, react to apostates with escalated psycho-terrorism.

And in Liechtenstein?

Many of the questions after the speaker gave her talk addressed the issue of "And what about us here in Liechtenstein?" Ursula Jaquemar has concluded that all known sects also have adherents in our country. Not all of them, however, proselytize as visibly as the Jehovah's Witnesses. People are often lured in by use of children's books or courses. The expert also reported that there were numerous movements in the Rheintal region - primarily young people - who were involved with Satanism. However, the satanist groups were not organized on a large scale, but exhibited racist and self-destructive traits. Ursula Jaquemar, who is employed in an ecumenical work group in Switzerland on this theme, could not give a definite number of members of new religious movements. She had clear evidence, however, that the number of people in them was not insignificant. In her practice, it is mainly parents and spouses of people in such groups who ask for help. But men, women and young people who are unprepared for the intense threats they get upon leaving the sect also need help.

Protect Children and Young Adults?

Naturally, the question arose of how parents could keep their children from being snatched up by promisors of salvation. The best prophylactic, according to Ursula Jaquemar, is a trusting, open relationship to young people. At home they should be able to talk about anything, even if the parents disagree with what is being said. Young people who have come into contact with religious movements "of the dangerous kind" withdraw into themselves, no longer tell where and how they spend their leisure time and often break off contact with long-term friends. Ursula Jaquemar mentioned that is was wrong to simply demonize all new religious movements. Great caution is advised only after the movement has utilized force or control to exploit members financially or has caused isolation or paranoia.

Hope for the Advent Season

Despite the frightful theme, Ursula Jaquemar managed to not bring a doomsday mood upon the Advent meeting. She encouraged everybody - church, state and every individual - to continue to carry the light of peace and cordial cooperation. This also was a good means of prophylaxis against anti-social sects. The Christmas spirit was also enhanced by Melanie and Andreas Verling from Triesen: the brother and sister duo brought the Advent charm to an interesting turn of events with their musical offerings.

Secret Scientology Influence?

Slovakia. The cult has supposedly infiltrated high government positions and even attained access to secret information.

Central Europe infiltration

Vienna, Austria
November 17, 2001
Die Presse

by Christoph Thanei

Pressburg. The controversial Scientology cult supposedly has access to the most secret and vital information in the Slovak government. According to the newspaper "Pravda," homeland security and the National Security Office have already issued a warning of serious security risk. That is because not only the government's "Govnet" internal information system, but also the Defense Ministry's personal information system were produced by a company said to be under Scientology control.

Private companies Softip and a company by the name of KISS, in which Softip has shares, have obtained both contracts in the regular bids, held independently of each other. According to "Pravda," the government has already invested 630 million shillings in the Govnet project. The government had planned closed sessions on Thursday to discuss immediate contract cancellations, "Pravda" reported a government official as saying. Because of opposition by an individual cabinet member the session was postponed.

Scientology is not recognized in Slovakia as a religious denomination. According to unofficial intelligence information conveyed by "Pravda," Scientology has approached several of the nation's high-ranking representatives.