Russian Court Says Scientology Titles Are Extremist Literature

A court in the Siberian city of Surgut has approved the request of prosecutors to list 28 works by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard to the Russian Federation's list of extremist literature. The Moscow Times reported yesterday that transport prosecutors in Surgut and Khanty-Mansiisk customs officers seized the books and recordings and had them examined by psychiatrists, psychologists and sociologists. Prosecutors say the works call for social and religious hatred, undermining Russia's traditional spiritual values. Possession of extremist literature can lead to a jail sentence of up to 15 days and a fine of $100(US).