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I'm really unaware about the criminal violence but I would welcome a link or something, I just googled 'Scientology Europe violence' and couldn't find anything on the first page. I am totally not saying that it doesn't exist, (I'm not trying to be one of those 'WELL SHOW ME THEN!!!!! people), I just couldn't find it. If you have a link or more information about it I would appreciate it so I could be aware.
I don't know what tone your comment 'if you've spent that much time in Germany, surely you must be familiar with their reputation for criminal violence in Europe?' was meant to be in, but it seemed a little inflammatory. I hope it wasn't meant this way.
But, if there is violence caused by scientologists in Europe, which I'm sure there is (I mean, why not?), I would direct you also to the violence performed by Islamic followers in Europe. I don't know if the level of violence by those following Scientology could rival the violence of the Madrid train bombings or the bombings in London. Furthermore, not far from where I live, last year the police here in Germany arrested 4 (I think 4 but don't quote me) for conspiring to attack US military bases in the nearby areas, as well as attacks against German military. Furthermore, there are the terror threats against Germany that followers of Islam would attack Germany with bombings etc. if Germany did not stop participating in the war in Afghanistan and/or re-elected Angela Merkel. I don't know if followers of Scientology have made similar threats.
Furthermore, you could also point to the violence committed by Christians in the US, for example the killing of abortion doctors, the unwillingness of some christian parents to help their kids seek medical treatment resulting in their deaths. And especially the violence that has been committed by religions in the past. All religions have their extremists, all have had their share of innocent blood on their hands. My point is that I feel like Scientology is a group that is easy to target. Because of their small numbers and their perceived 'cookyness' they serve as a great scape-goat, which if this wasn't the 21st century could be used to easily propagate violence against them.
I'm not trying to defend Scientology; however, I will defend anything/one if I feel they are being unfairly targeted, especially for reasons like their beliefs are 'screwy' and 'they commit violence,' when 'screwy' beliefs are a matter of opinion and violence in other religions can be easily be paralleled.
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