Warning: Cults
Scientology on the prowl in Bozen
Psycho-cult at the "Salus" Fair - Books and Psychotests
Bozen, Italy
February 13, 2002
www.dolomiten.itBozen (hof) - The Scientology psycho-cult is once again putting out its feelers in South Tyrol: At the "Salus" - a fair for good health - two staff members distributed information and sold books by cult founder Lafayette Ron Hubbard from a booth.
Scientology is a business under guise of a church concerned with maximizing profit, thereby tapping into people's wants; it strives for world domination, as German former Labor and Welfare Minister Norbert Bluem characterized the psycho-cult. The totalitarian organization exploits the fact that many people are searching for a deeper understanding in the community of good health.
Scientology is widespread in upper Italy: there are "branches" in Verona, Padua, Brescia, Milan and Turin. In Verona they've already been recruiting directly from the street with their own stands. The personality test - as distributed at the "Salus" - is one of the first steps in gaining long-term customers, as is the sale of books.
The "Salus" may have turned out to be suited to Scientology's needs as an exhibition site. There were nearly 25,000 visitors in a three day period.
The leaflets distributed contained a personality test with over 100 questions. The test was to be filled out and, together with name, address, e-mail address and job title, sent to the "counselor for the Hubbard Dianetics Foundation" in Milan. The evaluation of the test is free, the leaflet promises. The information page states quite clearly that "Dianetics" is the work of cult founder L. Ron Hubbard.
One visitor to the fair observed a Scientology staff member urgently imposing himself upon another fair visitor. Hubbard's books were also offered at allegedly advantageous prices.
How is it possible that Scientology is appearing in a booth at the "Salus"? Antonio Pasqualin, "Salus" arranger, did not wish to make a comment on the subject to the "Dolomiten."
Fair director Reinhold Marsoner indicated that the Bozen Fair was not at fault. The fair only rented the hall and had no control who was given space at the "Salus." "It is the first time this sort of thing has happened," said Marsoner. "I don't see any connection at all between the theme of the fair - health - and Scientology." He said the case was being discussed internally.