Wikinews international report: "Anonymous" holds anti-Scientology protests worldwide

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Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Internet group 'Anonymous' held protests outside Scientology centers in cities around the world on Sunday.Image: David Shankbone.
The Internet group 'Anonymous' held protests outside Scientology centers in cities around the world on Sunday.
Image: David Shankbone.
Video report from BostonVideo: TUFKAAP.
Video report from Boston
Video: TUFKAAP.

The Internet group Anonymous today held protests critical of the Church of Scientology. The protests marked what would have been the 49th birthday of Lisa McPherson, who is claimed to be a victim of the Church of Scientology's practices. Lisa died in 1995 during a running of what Scientologists refer to as an Introspection Rundown, a procedure intended to help Church members deal with a psychotic or deeply traumatic event.

Protests were planned throughout the day in 14 countries and over 50 different cities. The estimation of total protesters world wide for Feb. 10, 2008 is 9,250 people.

Wikinews had correspondents at a number of protest locations to report on the events. This article was updated throughout the day with reports from around the globe.

Contents

Location Reports

Related stories
Church of Scientology Berlin HQ
More information on Scientology:


Adelaide, Australia

About 150 anonymous protesters turned out in Adelaide to protest the Church of Scientology. Most wore masks, many also wearing suits or wigs. A on-the-spot-word was created centered around a scientologist present at the start of the protests. 'Infiltrator', AdelRAID also had an Anon attacked by a Scientologist trying to remove an Anon's mask to take a photo of his face, who had his picture taken before and after the attack by many anons.

Adelaide Gallery

Atlanta, Georgia

200+ members of Anonymous gathered in Atlanta. While riot police were called to the scene as well as the local media, only one incident occurred. A person from the Anonymous crowd tried to enter the church to talk to them but police temporarily detained him. He was later released without charges.

Atlanta Photo Gallery

Image: Tim Dorr.

Image: Tim Dorr.

Austin, Texas

Corespondent: Craig Russell

Austin Photo Gallery

Boston, Massachusetts

Correspondent: TUFKAAP

Video report from BostonVideo: TUFKAAP.
Video report from Boston
Video: TUFKAAP.

Protesters in Boston covered all four corners of the block surrounding the Church with 30-45 people on each side of the streets and corners. Most protesters ranged from 18 to 25 years old. Crowds soon swelled to numbers of about 250. The weather was of typical New England weather, where it quickly jumped from sunny weather at the start to slight drizzling rain then to a downpour and eventually a flurry that lasted about 15-20 minutes before dissipating. However, even that did not drive the protesters away.

The protesters' meet up spot was Trinity Church in Boston's famed Copley Square right under the gaze of the John Hancock Building. After congregating protesters proceeded down to the local Scientology church and began their picket. An ex-Scientology member know as Larry Brennan showed up and said he applauded what "Anonymous" was doing. Meanwhile, a camera watched the protest from the top floor of the Scientology church looking at the protesters gathered below.

Throughout the protest, each corner took turns shouting this chant "Religion! Should! Be! Free!" At the same time, cars honked in support for the protesters, including firemen of the Boston Fire Department and the Boston Public Works Department road sanding crew, along with various taxis. Drivers were often encouraged to honk by the protesters. Protesters gave pamphlets and leaflets to cars, pedestrians, and police officers.

According to the free daily BostonNOW, Rev. Gerard Renna of the Boston church referred to Anonymous as "a group of cyber-terrorists ... perpetrating religious hate crimes."

It is estimated that 200-250 people attended in total.

Boston Photo Gallery

A camera watches protesters from the third floor of the church.

A protester's car is covered with leaflets by fellow protesters.

Two protesters go shirtless during a quick snow flurry.

Two protesters converse during the protest as a quick flurry blankets the area in snow.

Protesters gathered at the four corners of Hereford and Beacon Streets.

Protesters in Guy Fawkes masks take a group picture outside the Church

Protesters congregate in front of the church.

Two Boston Police Department officers read leaflets handed out by protesters.

A protester holds a sign quoting TIME magazine's May 6, 1991 article on Scientology

One protester carried this sign which could be considered a bit vulgar to some people.

Brisbane, Australia

Brisbane Gallery

Brussels, Belgium

Correspondent: Brian McNeil

The Brussels protest organisers decided to take things one step further than the "mask" dress code - and introduce a formal dress code of "Black, and Red Tie".

Saturday saw the start of press coverage for the event with Dutch-language national paper De Morgen devoting four columns in their reporter section to the protest and events that led up to it. Lisa McPherson, Tom Cruise, and John Sweeney were all covered along with images of the "Anonymous" advertising poster and the European Church of Scientology HQ in the Brussels city centre.

The protesters met up at Parc Royal metro station about 1km away from the European H.Q. of the Church of Scientology and spent approximately an hour putting finishing touches to placards and cutting up leaflets, all under the watchful eye of a number of suspected Scientology "spies" equipped with cameras and cellphones. Following closely the advice from police the group of approximately 30 marched to 91 Wetstraat where the Church H.Q. is in a subdued manner with banners and placards turned down. As the group marched to their point where a static protest was permitted three film crews from Belgian TV ran round filming the group and walking backwards to interview those who were prepared to speak to the press. Protesters came from as far afield as Luxembourg

The police presence for the protest was fairly light, upon arrival at the protest site, 91 Wetstraat (Rue De La Loi) one van and three officers were parked outside the Scientology HQ, approximately 15 minutes later two other police cars had turned up - delivering the Brussels Central chief of police and another four officers to monitor the protest. Instructions were given to protesters that they could not, under Belgian law, conceal their faces with masks, scarves or veils.

The signs in use by the protesters included a large "HONK!" which whenever a passing motorist hit the horn roused a large cheer from the crowd. Others read "Scientology kills", "Religion is free, Scientology is not", "XENU.NET", "All your Thetans are belong to us", "Hello Scientology, We are Anonymous", and "Alien souls inhabit you". Some were crudely done handwriting, others had been made at the pre-protest meeting with stencils and spray paint.

A chant was started early on, and repeated a few times throughout the day, "Brainwash! Brainwash! Brainwash!", this could likely be heard by people within the Church H.Q. as a number of upper floor windows were open.

Leaflets were handed out to passers by and motorists as they stopped at the nearest set of traffic lights. While highlighting that Christianity, Judaism, and Islam will freely give you details about their religion Scientology was starkly contrasted as "Ask a Scientologist about their texts, You will be answered. After your check clears".

The protest went off with no problems, although concern was expressed by some participants that they were not better allowed to conceal their identities. This was made extra concerning with the belief that some of those taking photos from a distance were members of the Church cataloguing the protesters.

Brussels Photo Gallery

Two protesters wielding signs.

Police watching over the protesters in front of the Church

Buffalo, New York

Correspondent: DragonFire1024

Church photographing a Wikinews freelance journalist. Image: Jason Safoutin.
Church photographing a Wikinews freelance journalist.
Image: Jason Safoutin.

As many as 50 people turned up to protest the Church in cold weather and wind driven snow. With temperatures ranging from 10 to just 15 degrees Fahrenheit and winds at nearly 45 miles an hour, protesters held signs and braved Mother Nature. Some lost their signs in the wind a few times, but managed to swipe them back up before they got lost in the weather.

Among the protesters attending was Chuck Beatty, a former Scientologist of 27 years from the Sea Org in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Several passing cars showed their support by honking, including a big red semi-truck tow truck.

The police were on scene to make sure protesters followed laws, but they were off duty officers hired by the Church because they "needed protection from Anonymous," said O. Casillas of the Buffalo police Department. Casillas also stated that protesters, "according to New York state law", had to be at least 100 feet from the Church, but because of a fence, protesters were allowed to picket across the street from the Church.

Casillas also took a flier with the rules and regulations for protesters stating, "I cannot take sides here, but the Church privately hired us."

At least three members of the Church were seen photographing, videotaping, and counting anyone who was gathered outside the Church. The protesters were not approached by any members of the Church.

Wikinews attempted to get a statement from the church, but Casillas stated that "the Church knew what organization [I] was from" and that "Wikinews was not welcome there [at the Church]."

Wikinews recently published several stories and interviews that do not favor the Church and the officer's quotes suggest the Church is aware of those articles.

See a gallery of images below, and or click on the 'Buffalo Photo Gallery' to see all the images.

Buffalo Photo Gallery

A Buffalo, New York Police officer waits outside the Church of Scientology to help with possible crowd control during the Anonymous protests against the Church.

Chuck Beatty, a former Scientologist of 27 years from the Sea Org in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania attends the 2008 Anonymous protest against the Church of Scientology.

A member of Anonymous wears a mask at the 2008 protests against the Church of Scientology.

Protesters on the picket line.

A member of Anonymous wears a scarf, sunglasses and hat to disguise himself from the Church during the protest. He is wearing a badge saying "Happy birthday Lisa (McPherson). Your story will be told. You will NOT be forgotten." A photo of McPherson appears at the top of the badge.

Protesters brace the wind driven snow to protest the church.

Police and Office of Special Affairs (Scientology Special police/Secret Service) agent outside the Church. One officer has a wooden club.

Peek-a-boo! I see you! A member of the Church of Scientology is seen on the third floor, videotaping the protesters.

Members of the Church of Scientology take pictures of the protesters.

Say hello to the protesters! A child waves from the Church window.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago protest against the Church began slightly before 11:00 a.m. (central time) and concluded at roughly 4:30 p.m.. Upwards of 70 protesters gathered in support of the protest.

Though temperatures remained in the sub-zero range throughout the day (0 degrees Fahrenheit, -22 wind chill), spirits remained high.

Participants handed out literature and held signs at the intersection of Lincoln, Wellington and Southport until roughly 2:00 p.m.. During that time, a nearby Catholic church dismissed, and numerous Church-goers welcomed the fliers.

Protesters garnered a multitude of honks from supportive motorists. After 2:00 p.m., the large group splintered into multiple travelling squads which navigated the Lakeview and Lincoln Park neighbourhoods until 4:30 p.m..

Protesters had to follow legal restrictions and the Church conducted the Centre's counter-protest measures, such as blocking their windows and holding service from 11:00 a.m. straight through 6:00 p.m..

Chicago Photo Gallery

Clearwater, Florida

Approximately 200 people protested Scientology along Cleveland Street in Clearwater. They were photographed by 20-year-old Scientologist David Pendery, who seemed to believe that it was "unlawful to wear a mask and I wanted to document it." The Church also hired ten police officers to monitor the protest.

The protest was delayed by 30 minutes so the protesters would not interrupt a Presbyterian Church service. [4]

Dallas, Texas

More than 100 people picketed on a street corner in front of the Dallas Church of Scientology. Protestors held up signs with pictures of Lisa McPherson, who was a Dallas native. "We want people to know we are raising awareness, and that is one of our main tools to fight Scientology," said one masked protestor. A few signs read "Honk if you hate Scientology", and some cars could be heard honking their horns as they passed by. Police were on the scene to ensure that the demonstration was peaceful. The Dallas Church of Scientology released a statement regarding the group Anonymous, which read, "Using Scientology's prominence, Anonymous hopes to garner more attention ... Religious bigotry of any nature is deplorable and profoundly affects the entire community."

Video from the event

Dallas Photo Gallery

Edinburgh, Scotland

Around 50 to 140 people turned up at the Church of Scientology centre in Edinburgh to protest. As protesters were not allowed directly opposite the centre a small police presence was visible in order to control the crowd.

Banners with "Scientology Kills" were placed at the front of the protesters and chants gradually began to start as the day progressed. Leaflets were handed out to members of the public passing by while people within the Church of Scientology were seen to be taking photographs from inside the church.

Access to the church was restricted during the protest, but several protesters made comment to a reporter from the Scotsman newspaper.

Edinburgh Photo Gallery

Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu Photo Gallery

Houston, Texas

The Houston protest hosted an estimated 81 people. Between 8 and 12 Houston police officers and staff were on site though, but stood and watched the protesters. There were no reports of significant confrontation, though scientologists and protesters took photographs of each other. A CW 39 cameraman was on site taking footage and conducting interviews. Broadcast television reports of the protest were carried on KHOU CBS 11 and KHCW CW 39 later in the evening.

London, England

Correspondents: Skenmy and Adambro

The first London protest took place outside the Church of Scientology HQ in Queen Victoria Street. Upon arrival at 10:30, approximately 50 people were in attendance. This was complemented by a small team of police officers. Members of the Church of Scientology were handing out flyers outside the HQ, with the protesters on the other side of the road. Numerous members of the media, as well as tens of amateur photographers and videographers were in attendance.

By 11:00, the number of protesters had grown to between 300 and 500. A variety of signs were on display, bearing such slogans as "Ron is Gone but the Con goes On" (referring to L. Ron Hubbard, founder of Scientology) and "$cientology Kills" (referring to the claims that the Church of Scientology extorts money from its members). The police responded to this growth in numbers with riot vans, a large number of Community Support officers, and Police Horses, as well as a dog unit.

The protest at Queen Victoria Street was peaceful. Members of Anonymous were respectful of Police orders. Inside the building, security officers could be seen. Members were seen videoing and photographing the protests from the upper windows of the HQ building, prompting responses from the crowd. Signs were held saying "Honk if you hate Scientology" - causing a cheer from the crowd every time a car used the horn.

The infamous bright yellow "/b/" van was seen driving past early in the protest. At around 1:00 the protesters moved on towards Tottenham Court Road's "Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Centre", where the police presence was even higher, and crowd barriers were set up. Half of Tottenham Court Road was closed for the demonstration, so a single-file line of traffic was all that flowed between the protesters (of which a significant majority of the original number turned up) and the Church of Scientology building.

Members of the Church of Scientology were handing out flyers, much like at Queen Victoria Street. However, the crowd this time shouted for passers-by to "tear it up" - some of whom did. Police reacted to those tearing up the material and throwing it down with the issue of a littering ticket. This road was much busier than the previous one, and a large crowd gathered to look. The crowd could be heard shouting "It's a trap!" when members of the public were offered free Stress Tests by the members of the Church of Scientology. There were a number of minor incidents involving protesters (who were quickly distanced by the majority crowd), but no major violations took place.

Estimates by Anonymous for the total numbers at the event range from 300 to 800 people, however the BBC and City of London Police report 200 people at the event.

London Photo Gallery

Los Angeles, California

Correspondent: IlyaHaykinson

At least 250 people attended the anti-Scientology protest in Los Angeles, California. The protesters gathered in the morning at a central location and proceeded by subway to the site of the first protest, the Church of Scientology - Los Angeles. For nearly two hours the protesters chanted "We are Anonymous" and other slogans, and responded with yells and upheaval to honking cars that were passing by. The protest spread over two city blocks, and at one point the entire group of protesters circled the city block containing various Scientology buildings.

The protest then proceeded via subway to the Church of Scientology International building in Hollywood. There the protesters continued chanting, and marched up and down the street. A group of protesters unfurled a banner in sympathy with the death of Lisa McPherson, and the crowd sang the happy birthday song for her.

The protest continued for an additional couple of hours as the crowd moved to a former Scientology recruiting building and then to the street level of a major mall and tourist attraction, Hollywood & Highland.

After losing quite a few members the protest moved on to the front of the CNN building in hope of getting on news.

Security was high at all Scientology installations, with security officers blocking all entrances to Church buildings, patrolling on foot and bicycle, and most taking pictures or videos of protesters (or even the Wikinews reporter). No police intervention was observed, though at least one or two officers were present at most times.

Los Angeles Photo Gallery