It’s been a pretty bad week for Scientology, and things just got a little worse. According to France’s highest appeal court, the church is guilty of fraud. This announcement comes after a series of unflattering reports have circulated about the organization. That list includes ‘DWTS’ contestant Leah Remini, who recently testified against the religion.
According to Huffington Post, scientologists have been dealt another blow. France has declared that the France chapter of the organization is guilty of fraud:
“France's highest appeals court has upheld the 2009 fraud conviction of the Church of Scientology's French branch, its bookstore and five of its leaders. The Scientologists were accused of pressuring members into paying large sums for questionable services and materials and using 'commercial harassment' against recruits. The group and bookstore were fined 600,000 euros ($814,000). The Scientologists' appeals of their convictions claimed infringement on their religious freedom.”
This isn’t the only courtroom drama for Scientology this week. Leah Remini also testified against the Church.
She gave her deposition on October 15 in Los Angeles. The lawsuit was filed by Monique Rathbun, the wife of Marty Rathbun, an ex-Scientologist.
The suit claims that David Miscavige is responsible for harassing and surveilling the Rathbun's. Back in August, a Judge approved a restraining order against Mr. Miscavige, preventing him from harassing or surveilling the couple.
According to official documents, Monique is accusing David and the church of some pretty serious charges:
“She has been subjected to numerous, aggressive attempts to intimidate her… She has been targeted at home, at work, and anywhere else that she happens to be. She has been harassed, insulted, surveilled, photographed, videotaped, defamed, and humiliated to such a degree as to shock the conscience of any decent, law-abiding person.”
Ray Jeffrey, attorney for the Rathbuns, confirmed that Leah will be appearing in court to Radar Online, stating:
“Miscavige’s attorney has claimed in court that Mr. Miscavige is uninterested in our client. I believe Ms. Remini will have testimony that in fact Mr. Miscavige is very concerned about Mr. and Mrs. Rathbun. I don’t want to speak for her, as to what exactly she’ll say. Who knows what may come up. Certainly it will delve into her experiences in the church.”
