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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: On June 14th Anonymous sets sail across the world with a hearty 'yo ho ho,' launching Operation: Sea Arrrgh, an initiative that will bring focus to the Church of Scientology's Sea Organization, or Sea Org as it is more commonly known. Operation Sea Arrrgh continues the tradition of global peaceful protests aimed at shedding light on the Church of Scientology. This time the theme is one of high crimes upon the seven seas, and as such, Anonymous has decided that a pirate theme is appropriate. This is Anonymous' fifth protest since January 2008. Since the campaign to highlight the abuses of the Church of Scientology began, over 10,000 members of Anonymous have protested in over 100 cities worldwide. Past protests have highlighted the controversial and avoidable death of Lisa McPherson in a Scientology compound, tax exemptions that are unjustified and inappropriate, exposure of the Church of Scientology's cruel "Disconnection" policy that splits up families, and tackling the “Fair Game” tactics of intimidation and litigation that they employ against critics. With Operation Sea Arrrgh, Anonymous aims to bring to light the Church of Scientology's Sea Organization. According to the Church's website, the Sea Org “is composed of the most dedicated Scientologists in the world — individuals who have dedicated their lives to the service of their religion". While this may, at face value, sound admirable, Sea Org members are forced to sign billion year service contracts which entail working for pay that falls below livable wages in most countries. Female members who become pregnant are pressured into having abortions, and there is also evidence that children who are part of families in the organization are often forced into hard physical labor. In addition, the Church of Scientology-owned ship MV Freewinds, which is manned by the Sea Org, is currently grounded due to it being contaminated with cancer-causing blue asbestos. This is a fact the Church of Scientology has been aware of for decades, but has hidden from shipping authorities and even many within their own organization. Anonymous considers this to be yet another crime committed by the leadership of the Church of Scientology, as it has put its own members aboard this most un-shipshape vessel into serious physical danger. Anonymous consists of individuals united by common beliefs in freedom of speech and basic human rights, both of which have been suppressed by the Church of Scientology. They also like pirates and are looking forward to getting into character and hunting for booty at this next event! The prized treasure that they seek however is more valuable than doubloons or pieces of eight - it's a raised public awareness of what they consider to be the scurrilous and black-hearted activities of the Church of Scientology. Members of Anonymous tend to conceal their identities while protesting due to the Church of Scientology's aggressive policy of stifling criticism through abuse of the courts and other tactics of intimidation. The media has labeled Anonymous as "Cyber Activists", while the Church of Scientology insists upon accusing the group of being "terrorists" - a label that Anonymous utterly rejects. Members of the press and media are invited to find out more at the following websites: NEED WEBSITES TO PUT HERE, BEST 3? ...and also to come along and see for themselves what takes place at these protests. Operation Sea Arrgh. Beginning at 11:00 AM on June 14th, 2008, in every major city worldwide. Timbers will be shivered! |
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| Many thanks for your e-mail regarding tomorrow's event. We've covered the protests in the past but will struggle to get a photographer down to Ethel Street tomorrow. Nevertheless, it's something I'm keen to keep tabs on, particularly as I have dealt with the story of the Scientologists moving to Pitmaston in Moseley. Please give me a ring over the weekend to let me know how things went. If I'm not in the office, you can get me on my mobile. Regards, Ed Ed Chadwick Reporter Birmingham Mail |