| Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC September 4, 2007 Question Taken at September 4, 2007 Daily Press Briefing Belgium: Prosecutor Recommends Legal Action Against ScientologyQuestion: What is the US comment on / reaction to a Belgian prosecutor on Tuesday recommending that the U.S.-based Church of Scientology stand trial for fraud and extortion, following a 10-year investigation that concluded the group should be labeled a criminal organization? Answer: If Belgian authorities have evidence that individuals violated Belgian law, they should take appropriate legal steps, consistent with Belgium's international obligations to protect freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. We would, however, oppose any effort to stigmatize an entire group based solely upon religious beliefs and would be concerned over infringement of any individual’s rights because of religious affiliation. 2007/730 Released on September 4, 2007 |
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