PEOPLE IN THE NEWS
Andreas Heldal-Lund, the Norwegian Internet expert and Scientology opponent, is receiving the Leipzig Human Rights Award for 2003. The IT specialist from Stavenger has been involved in uncovering human rights violations of the Scientology sect for years, stated the European-American Citizens Committee for Human Rights and Religious Freedom in the USA on Saturday in Berlin. The Norwegian founded "Operation Clambake" (www.xenu.net) in November 1996 as a means by which to communicate information about Scientology
The award, which was first handed out in 2000, is unremunerated. In 2001 it was given to Alain Vivien, who was the sect commissioner of the French government at the time. With its award the committee honors those who contribute to human rights reform of "totalitarian" cult-like organizations that operate out of the USA. The award ceremony will be held in Leipzig on May 17. (epd) from:
Frankfurter Rundschau 30.12.2002 Politik