Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Scientology Faces Charges In France; Takes Offensive Against YouTube

Jurist and AFP report that on Monday a French judge ordered the Church of Scientology to appear before a Paris Magistrate's Court to face criminal charges of organized fraud and ordered seven of its members to face charges of illegal practice of pharmacy. The cases arise out of a complaint by a woman that she paid over $28,000 (US), for classes, books, medications and an electrometer.

Meanwhile, the Electronic Frontier Foundation reports that in 12 hours last week (between Thursday and Friday), American Rights Counsel sent out over 4000 DMCA takedown notices to YouTube, all claiming copyright infringement by posted videos that were critical of the Church of Scientology. Many YouTube users responed with DMCA counter-notices.