Australia mulls Scientology probe

[ccharles000]

The Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, has said he will consider calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the Church of Scientology.

But he said the evidence must be looked at carefully before proceeding.

Senator Nick Xenophon launched a scathing attack on Scientology, citing letters from former followers alleging extensive criminal activity.

Scientology spokesman Cyrus Brooks said the senator's attack had been an abuse of parliamentary proceedings.

Senator Xenophon tabled seven letters from former Scientologists who he said were willing to co-operate with New South Wales and Australian federal police.

"The letters received by me which were written by former followers in Australia, contain extensive allegations of crimes and abuses which are truly shocking," he said, citing other letters from people who prefer to stay anonymous.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8365606.stm

[MrModerate]

1. Xenophon is a whack job in his own right (Think James Dobson) . . .

But it does begin to sound like the Scientolotwits in Oz might have slipped into David Koresh territory. Besides, the silly "high concept" twaddle they peddle doesn't go down very well here.