A Global Protest Against the Church of Scientology's Suppression of Free Speech

'Operation: FairGameSTOP' - A Global Protest Against the Church of Scientology's Suppression of Free Speech

Toronto, Canada - This Saturday, May 10, 2008, the collective known as Anonymous launch 'Operation: FairGameSTOP', the fourth in a series of global protests against the Church of Scientology. From 11am (local time) onwards, thousands of Anonymous will take to the streets in peaceful protest at over 100 Church of Scientology centres around the world.

Anonymous is a grassroots collective comprised of ordinary people from all walks of life, from former Scientologists and long-time cult activists, to college students and corporate professionals, all united in recognition of the malign nature of the Church of Scientology, the danger it poses to society, and the necessity of action. Since the campaign's inception in January, over 10,000 activists from around the world have joined Anonymous' fight, and millions have been made aware of the dangers posed by the Church and its practices.

This May initiative focuses specifically on "Fair Game", the Church of Scientology's official policy for handling its 'enemies'. In a 1967 policy letter, founder L. Ron Hubbard stated these enemies may be: "deprived of property or injured by any means by any Scientologist without any discipline of the Scientologist... May be tricked, sued or lied to or destroyed."[1] Although the Church claims that this policy was retracted in 1968, the text of the retraction states that only the term "Fair Game" was retracted. Scientology continues to harass, stalk, and sue its critics as well as former Church members who have left. Famous victims include American author Paulette Cooper and BBC journalist John Sweeney.

Multiple governments [2] have become aware of the perverse tactics of Scientology, and are beginning to take positive steps in reducing the damage it perpetrates. Under increasing pressure from media [3], police departments [4] and the tide of public opinion, Scientology has gone on the attack. In recent weeks, Anonymous protesters have been stalked and threatened with legal action in an attempt to dissuade them from protesting, and silence their criticism. Anonymous remain undaunted, and will continue to confront the cult and its numerous front groups wherever they pose a threat.

For more information on the Church of Scientology and Anonymous, an info package has been created and is available for download at http://img1.anonbw.com/press/GoldInfoPack.pdf

References:
[1] HCO Policy Letter of 18 October 1967, Issue IV
[2] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7133867.stm
[3] http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2371180.ece
[4] http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Authorities_in_Belgium_raid_Church_of_Scientology

Anonymous: Project Chanology Information:
- WhyWeProtest.org
- Enturbulation.org Scientology Activism and Organization