Church of Scientology probed for trafficking
The Church of Scientology, which has some high-profile followers like actor Tom Cruise and John Travolta, has been investigated by the FBI for allegedly being involved in human trafficking, American media reports said.
The investigation includes the cult’s mysterious leader David Miscavige, a close friend of Cruise who was also best man at his wedding, the New York Post reported.
The feds are probing accusations of “enslavement” in regards to members of Scientology’s religious order, known as “Sea Org”.
The New Yorker Magazine reported that Miscavige allegedly regularly beat up members.
A former member of the embattled Church of Scientology told the magazine that “the investigation had been going on for quite a while.” The magazine carries an interview with Hollywood screenwriter and former member Paul Haggis who details some of the alleged abuses in the church.
Haggis, who directed Crash, decided to resign when he heard Tommy Davis, the chief spokesperson for the Church of Scientology International, denying on television that the practice of “disconnection” did not exist. The Church of Scientology is said to encourage members to separate themselves from friends or family members who criticise Scientology — this is called “disconnection” — the article explained.
“We all know this policy exists. I didn’t have to search for verification — I didn’t have to look any further than my own home,” Haggis wrote in his letter, adding that his wife had ordered to disconnect from her parents. —PTI
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