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Birmingham Anonymous > Operation: Party Hard: Impotent Love Shower Planning > Media/Press


Title: Media/Press


Falco - January 12, 2009 11:03 PM (GMT)
Right, it's the anniversary, one year on. Let's see if we can get any coverage for this. I still have a copy of various media contacts lying around to send a release out to, and I'll be doing my best to obtain more in the coming weeks.

So, all we need now is something to send. Get to work? :P

Virion - January 12, 2009 11:24 PM (GMT)
What sort fo thing did you have in mind?
Are we requesting presence from media, or sending infomaton concerning Anoniversary/the past year?
Or all and everything?

Kogoanon - January 13, 2009 09:54 AM (GMT)
Get the Metro to cover it.
Then all te bus and train goers will know about it.

Falco - January 13, 2009 10:35 AM (GMT)
QUOTE (Virion @ Jan 12 2009, 11:24 PM)
What sort fo thing did you have in mind?
Are we requesting presence from media, or sending infomaton concerning Anoniversary/the past year?
Or all and everything?

We usually would give a summary of what we were doing, explain where and when, and a summary of why we did it as well.

QUOTE (Kogoanon)
Get the Metro to cover it.
Then all te bus and train goers will know about it.

I'll make sure they get a copy of whatever we come up with - media interest died down nearer the beginning, so I'm hoping we can grab their attention again and actually get some coverage again.

Kogoanon - January 13, 2009 02:21 PM (GMT)
QUOTE (Falco @ Jan 13 2009, 10:35 AM)
QUOTE (Virion @ Jan 12 2009, 11:24 PM)
What sort fo thing did you have in mind?
Are we requesting presence from media, or sending infomaton concerning Anoniversary/the past year?
Or all and everything?

We usually would give a summary of what we were doing, explain where and when, and a summary of why we did it as well.

QUOTE (Kogoanon)
Get the Metro to cover it.
Then all te bus and train goers will know about it.

I'll make sure they get a copy of whatever we come up with - media interest died down nearer the beginning, so I'm hoping we can grab their attention again and actually get some coverage again.

Doth soundeth good to meh
Go for it man

mjk - January 13, 2009 04:32 PM (GMT)
Hopefully the whole "One year on" thing might grab some stories.

Virion - January 13, 2009 04:34 PM (GMT)
Send along the 'Still Alive' Video?

Falco - January 13, 2009 05:14 PM (GMT)
We need a writefag to get a draft up.

Jacob - January 13, 2009 05:30 PM (GMT)
I can write an article-like thing to submit to any news agencies. My work has been published in regional magazines, you know.

I doubt they would, but if it was a brief paragraph summarising the happenings of the last year and our aims for the future, it could work.

Falco - January 13, 2009 06:01 PM (GMT)
QUOTE (Jacob @ Jan 13 2009, 05:30 PM)
I can write an article-like thing to submit to any news agencies. My work has been published in regional magazines, you know.

Go for it, get a draft posted on here for the hivemind to pick apart.

Virion - January 13, 2009 06:03 PM (GMT)
By which I'm sure Falco means nice, friendly, constructive criticism.
....
Or not. Either way.

Falco - January 13, 2009 06:06 PM (GMT)
QUOTE (Virion @ Jan 13 2009, 06:03 PM)
By which I'm sure Falco means nice, friendly, constructive criticism.
....
Or not. Either way.

Well, the way it was done in the past on here and Enturb/WWP was to have someone write up a first draft, and post it. Other members will then go through editing the various parts they think need changing, discussing any criticisms, until we end up with a version that (in theory) everyone agrees on. If we get started nice and early, it should be done with time to spare before I have to get it sent out.

Jacob - January 13, 2009 06:45 PM (GMT)
Excellent. i'll take a stab at writing a message to the media by tomorrow afternoon.

Falco - January 14, 2009 06:35 PM (GMT)
Great.

I've got a couple more contacts added to the mailing list so far, working on more. If anyone can think of any e-mail addresses I should send it to, let me know, and I'll add them to the list if they're not there already.

Jacob - January 14, 2009 07:44 PM (GMT)
Okay, turns out writing something for the media rather than the public or scientology is much harder than I thought. I'll try and have a draft done by the end of the week but I'll probably need some help with opening.

Should it be more of a letter than an article? I imagine that would be better. But who is it to? The news and associated media? Does such a thing exist?

Meh, I'll persevere. So far I'm including these points:

- The mass exodus of scientology members
- The practical halt of recruitment
- The massive decrease in Scientology funds due to fewer members and expenses in the form of us
- Our aims for the future, including having scientology dismantled as an organisation and any followers moving to the Project Zero movement, which I will then detail.

It is project zero, right?

Falco - January 14, 2009 07:54 PM (GMT)
I've currently got a list of over 100 media and press contacts so far, and it's still growing with help from IRCfags. Once we've got it written, it'll be going out to them, and anyone else we can think of.

I'll see if I can dig up old press releases from somewhere if you're struggling for ideas. I think the past ones were written in article form, and suitable for going right to print if was wanted.

I'd have gone with the Freezone as the alternative for followers of the beliefs, personally.

Falco - January 15, 2009 08:42 AM (GMT)
Okay, a couple of old releases that could be adapted and modified to fit to the coming protest.

QUOTE (May)
Anonymous Continues Activism Against Scientology with ‘Operation: FairGameSTOP’

The group of Internet based activists, collectively known as Anonymous have continued their global awareness campaign against the Church of Scientology with their fourth rally in as many months. The worldwide rally for this month will be held on May 10th and is dubbed ‘Operation: FairGameSTOP’, which is designed to draw attention to the highly litigious nature of Scientology and their constant harassment of their detractors. Operation Fair GameSTOP in Birmingham will begin with a peaceful protest at 11AM on Ethel Street, off New Street, looking to continue until about 4PM.

Under increasing pressure from national and international media, foreign governments and the tide of public opinion, Scientology has gone on the attack, by launching spurious litigation against former Scientologists and individual members of Anonymous in the United States. Multiple governments globally have become aware of the perverse tactics of Scientology, and are beginning to take positive steps in reducing the damage perpetrated by this cult.

The fight against Scientology has taken a tragic turn in the past month with the sad passing of Kaja Bordevich Ballo at the young age of 20. Kaja, the daughter of Norwegian MP Olav Gunnar Bello, was studying at a University in Nice when she decided to undertake a ‘Free Personality Test’ run by Scientology. On receiving the results of the test, which is specifically rigged to give a poor result, Kaja returned to her dorm and threw herself from the window. "I believe Kaja would have been alive today if she had not gone to the Scientologists," says friend and fellow student Henrik Møinichen, age 19.

The first rally, affectionately dubbed as ‘Raids’, held on February 10th, attracted hundreds of people from all walks of life showing up in cities everywhere with 8,000 protesters speaking out globally. The second Raid on March the 15th showed their numbers were growing, with over 9,000 participants globally. These numbers likewise continued to swell with the protest on April 12th and the world is finally beginning to take notice. The current wave of activism is expected to gain even more members as more become aware of the Church of Scientology's policies through the dedicated efforts of the protesters to inform the public.

What is Operation:FairGameSTOP?
The purpose of Operation:FairgameSTOP otherwise known as ‘Battletoads Earth’, is to draw attention to the harassment that Scientology launches against critics. These attacks are many, including frivolous lawsuits, smear campaigns propagated by the church to silence critics and several suspect deaths. In one case, 9 members of the Church of Scientology, including Hubbard's wife, were charged and imprisoned over the events concerning "Operation Freakout", an attempt by Scientology to silence investigative journalist and Scientologist critic, Paulette Cooper. The Church's members were indicted and imprisoned on charges of theft, burglary, conspiracy and other crimes.

For more information on Anonymous and the upcoming protest, please visit Enturbulation.org.


QUOTE (June)
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!


QUOTE (September)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Anonymous Announces "Operation: School's Closed".

On Saturday, September 13, the collective known as Anonymous will stage a global protest, including one here in Birmingham, against the Church of Scientology management, its attempts to infiltrate schools, and its internal exploitation of children. Since January, Anonymous has staged seven successful, non-violent protests against this cult at over 130 Scientology centers around the world. Each global protest has a theme intended to raise public awareness of specific abuses. In September, Anonymous turns its attention to the harm caused to children.

Since 1970, the Church of Scientology has worked to infiltrate public school systems around the globe through "Applied Scholastics" and the "Study Tech" of Scientology founder, L. Ron Hubbard. Despite public claims to be secular in nature, its own management labels Applied Scholastics a "Church program" and "Scientology-related entity". In addition, Study Tech is derived entirely from Scientology materials, and staff members are almost always Scientologists themselves. The Cult of Scientology also infiltrates schools using seemingly innocent groups like the "Drug Free Marshals", "Youth for Human Rights", and "The Way to Happiness Foundation", in an effort to improve the image of Hubbard and to till the land for his pseudo-scientific doctrines and methods.[1]

Study Tech corrupts the most basic principles of most educational systems, representing them in a different manner. This is an effective form of social control over the classroom. Disagreement with the material one is studying is evidence of a misunderstood word (M/U), which must be located and cleared before one can progress. Study Tech includes a convenient blame mechanism. In Scientology, if a concept is not understood, it is always the fault of the student, never that of the teacher or source material.
Study Tech complies with Hubbard’s demands that his ideas not be re-interpreted, or even debated. He puts the emphasis on rote learning (or "duplication" in Scientology) rather than critical interpretation: "A misunderstood word keeps a person from duplicating what the written materials actually say" (Hubbard, "Method 9 Word Clearing The Right Way," HCO Bulletin of 30 January 1973, revised 19 December 1979).[2]

Another principle, that of breaking a subject down into pieces and teaching the simple before the advanced, is called a "gradient" in Scientology. Study Tech teaches that viewing advanced material out of turn can lead to discomfort, and this is used to justify the hiding of controversial materials and encourage deceit such as lies (called an "acceptable truth"), half-truths and misdirection to students and the public.

Children involved in Scientology are treated as adults, their childhood years taken from them. They are often made to work on the organisation's staff from a very young age, for long hours, without weekend breaks, instead of getting a much needed education. An Australian television program, "Today Tonight", aired a segment on Scientology's treatment of children that exposes this further.[3]

The website Ex-Scientology Kids[4] collates the stories of many young men and women of the Church of Scientology. Many of these stories cite long work hours as a child, verbal and emotional abuse, and even sexual abuse at the hands of the cult. Jenna Miscavige Hill (niece of David Miscavige, the current leader of the Church of Scientology) spoke of her life growing up in Scientology in an interview with ABC's Nightline.[5] Her story describes the mistreatment and intimidation she suffered in the Church's "Sea Org" in her younger years.

Scientology is a movement created by science-fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard in the mid-20th century. It emphasizes man’s immortal spirit, reincarnation, and an unscientific method of psychotherapy called "Dianetics". On higher course levels, Scientologists learn that Dianetics can't 'cure' lower level Scientologists as their bodies are possessed by the souls of aliens. Scientology blames psychiatry for the Holocaust and the 9/11 attacks, and works for a 'global obliteration' of mental health organisations.[6] Scientology operates a large number of shell companies and front groups. One such group is the "Scientology Volunteer Ministers", which interferes with disaster relief. The New York City Fire Commissioner has called for Scientology operatives to be prosecuted for fraudulently claiming an FDNY Medal of Valor after 9/11.

Project Chanology is an ongoing campaign against the abuses of the Church of Scientology by the collective known as Anonymous. An info package has been created and is available for download at http://img1.anonbw.com/press/GoldInfoPack.pdf; For more information, see http://www.whyweprotest.net , http://www.enturb.org or http://www.brumanon.co.uk

Anonymous will be turning up en masse on Saturday, ready to take their message straight to the Birmingham 'Church' of Scientology at 11am, staying for several hours..

For information on September's campaign, visit http://www.schoolsclosed.org and http://www.studytech.org

To learn about the Church of Scientology's mistreatment and exploitation of children please see http://www.ExScientologyKids.com - a website to support young men and women who have left the Church.

References:
[1] http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_...icle1290317.ece
[2] http://www.studytech.org/study_tech1.php
[3] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSm2hoqVhyE&fmt=18
[4] http://www.ExScientologyKids.com
[5] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnbQKQAbVlg&fmt=18
[6] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfu7Sr50N7U&fmt=18

###

Jacob - January 16, 2009 03:51 PM (GMT)
Okay, schoolwork has left me no free time to work on this. Whoever wrote those ones over the past month should probably start writing one, and I'll see if I can write one for next week or something.

Falco - January 17, 2009 11:39 AM (GMT)
Those ones came from Enturb/WWP, and were adapted to suit us. There hasn't been a proper press release on there for a while, that I've seen, so unable to grab a rough template for this months. If anything pops up, I'll bring it over to here.

Jacob - January 17, 2009 11:52 AM (GMT)
I see.

Well, I really just need an opening. Then I can pretty much go on forever from there.

Would it be a letter? Would it be a pseudo formal letter / message like We Run This? And who is it to, the media or the public?

Falco - January 20, 2009 11:52 AM (GMT)
I'd suggest either going with whatever you feel like, or trying to imitate the style of the older releases. It's only a draft, so there's plenty of time to make any changes if they're needed.

Falco - January 23, 2009 02:30 PM (GMT)
I can probably get a draft of this done sometime vaguely soon now - other priorities are no more.

Jacob - January 23, 2009 04:10 PM (GMT)
Awesome. I just have too little time for anything non-school related, between sleep and such.

I can probably piggyback off yours, though.

Falco - January 26, 2009 08:46 PM (GMT)
I'm hitting a dead end getting this started too.

Halp.

Jacob - January 26, 2009 09:01 PM (GMT)
IT SHOULD NOT BE THIS HARD.

I'll carry on trying to do this, but I have a huge english essay piece of coursework due in on wednesday so most fo my writing skills are going towards that ATM.

Jacob - January 27, 2009 07:39 PM (GMT)
Okay, here's the first few paragraphs (Some dates need verifying. Like the mark bunker video.)


QUOTE
Dear [Name of media outlet],
Just over a year ago, the organisation known as Anonymous began a campaign against the so-called Church of Scientology, and we wish to take this opportunity to reiterate the message of our campaign.

As you are of no doubt aware, on January 14th, a leaked copy of a scientology interview with Tom Cruise was posted on Youtube.com, and many lulz were had. However, in a matter of days, Scientology forced Youtube to remove the video by threat of legal action, a method they have continued to us to this day to take down numerous clips that put the church in a darker light. This did not sit well with Anonymous. Subsequently, on January 21st, we announced our plans to dismantle the Church of Scientology. At first, our efforts were petty and juvenile - Various scientology websites were attacked, black faxes were sent to scientology offices and prank calls occurred daily. However, thanks to the intervention of long time anti-Scientology activist Mark bunker, Anonymous moved to more effective and peaceful methods of exposing the cult: Masked protests held monthly outside church centres and offices.

One may wonder why Anonymous would pursue a religion with such vengeance.  The answer is simple - We are not attacking a religion. Nor, for that matter, are we persecuting the personal beliefs of its members. We are exposing Scientology as the dangerous cult that it is,  in the hopes that it will eventually be disbanded or reformed into something that could be called a religion. Once the public know of its dark deeds, it will be impossible to recruit new members. With no new income, the cult will slowly begin to suffocate as members leave, until eventual it collapses under the weight its own corruption.


I still have a lot to do, but the earlier critiquing starts, the earlier improvements can be made.

Falco - January 27, 2009 07:51 PM (GMT)
Pretty good start.
The changes I'd suggest so far, bolded:

QUOTE
Just over a year ago, the collective known as Anonymous began a campaign against the so-called Church of Scientology, and we wish to take this opportunity to reiterate the message of our campaign.

As you are of no doubt aware, on January 14th 2008, a leaked copy of a Scientology interview with Tom Cruise talking about his beliefs was posted on Youtube.com [1]. However, in a matter of days, Scientology forced Youtube to remove the video by threat of legal action, a method they have continued to us to this day to take down numerous clips that put the faux church in a darker light. This did not sit well with Anonymous. Subsequently, on January 15th, we announced our plans to dismantle the Church of Scientology in it's current form [2]. At first, the efforts of some were petty and juvenile - Various Scientology websites were attacked, black faxes were sent to Scientology offices and prank calls occurred daily. However, thanks to the intervention of long time anti-Scientology activist Mark Bunker [3], Anonymous moved to more effective and peaceful methods of exposing the cult: Masked protests held monthly outside the so called church buildings and offices.

One may wonder why Anonymous would pursue a religion with such vengeance.  The answer is simple - We are not attacking a religion. Nor, for that matter, are we persecuting the personal beliefs of its members. We are exposing Scientology as the dangerous cult that it is, in the hopes that it will eventually be disbanded or reformed into something that could be called a religion. [Don't feel that the part here is necessary.]


[1] Link to Gawker vid.
[2] Link to Message to Scientology.
[3] Link to Mark's message.

Falco - February 3, 2009 10:50 PM (GMT)
Anyone able to continue, or shall I hope I get hit by some inspiration?

Jacob - February 4, 2009 07:52 PM (GMT)
I'm gonna try and carry on, but I've been busy with IRL letters and devianTART-ish stuff.

If anyone could rip the backing track from We Run This, that'd help me get in the right mood for an Anon speech.

Nixon - February 5, 2009 10:36 PM (GMT)
mind if i bring a hopeful photographer for the sutton observer to the protest?

ive told him what not to do involving unmasked anons etc, and i would be seeing all the photos beforehand probably

just a thought for a tiny bit more publicity

Falco - February 5, 2009 10:36 PM (GMT)
Go for it, sounds good to me.

Falco - February 8, 2009 02:07 PM (GMT)
Okay, we need padding for this, and I think with the half Valentine's theme, we could adapt this to suit the purposes?
QUOTE
Operation Reconnect's aim is to bring to light the Church of Scientology's immoral practice of Disconnection, through which they break up families and friendships to further isolate their members. Many former Scientologists have spoken about this in the past, however with Operation Reconnect this immoral practice is being brought to the forefront of media attention. The secondary goal for operation Reconnect includes informing the newer members of the Church of Scientology - most of whom are unaware of these practices - of the malicious intent of the corporation which runs Scientology.

Virion - February 8, 2009 02:48 PM (GMT)
Operation Reconnect's aim was to bring to light the Church of Scientology's immoral practice of Disconnection, through which they break up families and friendships to further isolate their members. Many former Scientologists have spoken about this in the past, however with the love in the air of Valentines day, Operation Love Shower aims to bring this immoral practice to the forefront of media attention once again. The secondary goal for operation Love Shower includes informing the newer members of the Church of Scientology - many of who may be spending time with loved ones this 14th - of the malicious intent of the corporation which runs Scientology.

Lazy edit, but that the right sort of direction, can keep going if it is?

Falco - February 8, 2009 06:51 PM (GMT)
Just found this on WWP, we could easily adapt it for local use if we wanted:

QUOTE
Anonymous celebrates one year of protests.

Dublin, Ireland – The internet based collective known as Anonymous will mark their one year anniversary of peaceful non-violent protests this Saturday 7th on 62/63 Middle Abbey St. beginning at 11am.

The raising of global public awareness to the Scientology scam over the last twelve months has been immense.

Some highlights from the last twelve months include:

1) Court rejection of Clearwater injunction in early march [1].
The Scientology organisation attempted to fabricate enough threats to convince a court in Clearwater Florida (home of the Scientology Mecca) to grant an injunction against peaceful Anonymous protests that were happening there. Evidence that these threats were fabricated by Scientology themselves was posted on YouTube [2].

2) Scientology being investigated by governments worldwide.
They have been raided by the Belgian authorities [3], they have been ordered to stand trial for fraud in France [4] and the Kazakhstan authorities are seeking to have their branch there liquidated [5].

3) Scientology’s front groups have been exposed.
Leaked documents [6] have exposed the aims and intentions of the many Scientology front groups. These documents prove that, despite Scientology representatives insisting that their methods are secular, they are founded upon the Scientology religion. These front groups include the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (known as CCHR – the anti-psychiatry wing of Scientology) [7], Narconon (a drug rehab program based on Scientology) [8], Study Technology (Hubbard’s learning methodologies that groups such as Applied Scholastics and the Association for Better Living and Education tries to have taught in schools) [9], World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (known as WISE) [10] and Second Chance (also known as Criminon) [11] among others.

4) German government extending an official invitation to Anonymous.
The German authorities organised a conference last September in Hamburg entitled “What is Scientology?”, and extended an official invitation to Anonymous to attend. The Scientology representative Tommy Davies was denied access on the grounds that “If you discuss the dangers of illegal drugs, you do not invite the drug dealer to speak on stage” [12]. The speeches given at this conference are available online [13].

This year has seen a lot of headway in the fight against the Scientology enterprise. Much of their internal documents and policies have been leaked [14], media organisations are slowly but surely losing their fear of reporting on Scientology [15], critical documentaries are being circulated for public viewing like never before [16] and lawsuits are being brought that will further expose the abuses of this enterprise [17].

In Ireland the release of John Duignan’s book ‘The Complex: An Insider Exposes the Covert World of the Church of Scientology’ [17], and Scientology’s attempts to censor it [18], has served to raise awareness about Scientology in this country [19].

What a difference a year makes. Although Scientology operatives still continue to slander Anonymous to the media as a means of distracting attention from their operations, which even Gerard Ryan (Scientology spokesperson for Ireland) has done [20], it isn’t working.

It has been some twelve months – time to finish what was started.

About Anonymous:
Anonymous is a grassroots collective comprised of ordinary people from all walks of life, from former Scientologists and long-time cult activists, to college students and corporate professionals, all united in recognition of the malign nature of the 'Church' of Scientology, the danger it poses to society, and the necessity of action.

Sources:
[1] Media coverage of the court’s decision:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/civil/article416511.ece

[2] Video analysis showing that Scientology manufactured the bomb threat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZql-87Naoc

[3] Media coverage of the Belgian authorities raid:
http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Authorities_in..._of_Scientology

[4] Media coverage of the France trial:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/09/france.religion

[5] Media coverage of the Kazakhstan case:
http://www.interfax.com/3/468595/news.aspx

[6] Leaked Scientology document exposing their front groups:
http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Talk:The_Corpora..._of_Scientology

[7] Media coverage of the build up to the CCHR event held June 2008:
http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2008/.../story66081.asp

[8] Media coverage exposing plans to use Narconon to infiltrate Irish schools:
http://anoneire.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cu...ays-scientology

[9] Extensive analysis exposing Study Technology as poorly veiled Scientology:
http://www.studytech.org/study_tech.php
Irish

[10] WISE company Diskeeper is being sued for forcing Scientology teachings upon its employees:
http://realitybasedcommunity.net/archive/2...er_cio_sues.php

[11] Second chance violating there lease in New Mexico and leaving a substantial bill after they fled:
http://kob.com/article/stories/S761360.shtml?cat=500

[12] Coverage of the conference:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/09/06/18533664.php

[13] The speeches made at the Hamburg conference:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AboutScientology

[14] Leaked Scientology documents:
http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Category:Scientology

[15] Australian news broadcasts portions of the infamous OT3 lecture in Hubbard’s own voice for the first time. OT3 is a level in Scientology which costs its members thousands of euro to learn. It’s basic teachings is that all life’s anxieties and worries are caused by the infestation of dead alien souls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0WetfWy3hE

[16] A selection of documentaries about Scientology from various countries:
Spain - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3cNdLK3tqs
Ireland - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypDb2e4vdy4
Germany - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl8gVtKzD5Q
Israel - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsqMqtpU44o
England - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dv4u3fVQrU
Denmark - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6722222657154769083

[17] Analysis of the Headley’s cases against the Scientology enterprise:
http://realitybasedcommunity.net/archive/2...headley_v_1.php
http://realitybasedcommunity.net/archive/2...ire_headley.php

[18] Buy ‘The Complex’ here:
http://www.eason.ie/items/9781903582848

[19] Scientology prevents UK-based booksellers from stocking ‘The Complex’:
http://anoneire.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ch...tology-prevents

[20] Recent interview of John Duignan on the Gerry Ryan show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRcRkpaA_7k

[21] Gerard Ryan engaging in ‘black-PR’:
http://anoneire.ning.com/profiles/blogs/21...9:BlogPost:1027

Falco - February 9, 2009 04:06 PM (GMT)
Whichever we go with, I'm sending it tomorrow, so give me some feedback/opinions here.

Falco - February 9, 2009 06:15 PM (GMT)
Edited the above:

QUOTE
Anonymous celebrates one year of protests.

Birmingham, UK – The internet-based collective known as Anonymous will mark their one year anniversary of peaceful protests against the Church of Scientology this February with global protests spanning several weekends. Birmingham Anonymous will be protesting on February 14th from 11am, on the corner of Ethel Street and New Street.

Anonymous has raised global public awareness of the Church of Scientology's scams and scandals over the last twelve months.

Highlights from the last twelve months include:

1) Court rejects Clearwater injunction in early March [1].
The Scientology organisation attempted to fabricate enough threats against themselves to convince a court in Clearwater, Florida (the Scientology "Mecca") to grant an injunction against peaceful Anonymous protests[2].

2) Scientology under investigation worldwide.
*Raided by the Belgian authorities [3].
*Ordered to stand trial for fraud in France [4].
*In Kazakhstan, authorities are seeking to have the local chapter removed as the Church of Scientology "runs counter to principles of national security of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as it is aimed at undermining Kazakh nation's health through inflicting harm on people's psychic and physical health" [5].

3) Scientology front groups exposed.
Leaked documents [6] have exposed the aims and intentions of the many Scientology front groups. These documents prove that despite the groups' insisting that the methods are secular, they are in fact founded upon the Scientology preudo-religious teachings. These front groups include: Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR, anti-psychiatry wing of Scientology) [7]; Narconon (drug rehab program based on Scientology, not related to Narcotics Anonymous) [8]; Study Technology (Hubbard’s learning methodologies promoted by Applied Scholastics and other such groups) [9]; World Institute of Scientology Enterprises (WISE) [10] and Second Chance/Criminon [11] among others.

4) German government extend official invitation to Anonymous.
German authorities organised a conference last September in Hamburg entitled “What is Scientology?” and extended an official invitation to Anonymous to attend. Scientology representative Tommy Davis was denied access on the grounds that “If you discuss the dangers of illegal drugs, you do not invite the drug dealer to speak on stage” [12]. Speeches given at this conference are available online [13].

This year has seen much headway in the fight against the Scientology enterprise. Many of their internal documents and policies have been leaked [14], many media organisations have lost their fear of reporting on Scientology [15], critical documentaries have achieved worldwide circulation [16], and lawsuits have been filed that will further expose the enterprise [17].

The global release of John Duignan’s book ‘The Complex: An Insider Exposes the Covert World of the Church of Scientology’ [18], which is still blocked from sale in the UK due to Scientology's efforts[19], has served to raise awareness about Scientology in the UK, as well as any country whose citizens heard about this censorship [20].

What a difference a year makes. Scientology operatives still continue to try to discredit Anonymous  and other critics  as a means of diverting attention from the truth. But it just isn’t working, and we're not going anywhere.

It has been some twelve months – time to finish what was started.

About Anonymous:
Anonymous is a grassroots collective comprised of ordinary people from all walks of life, from former Scientologists and long-time cult activists, to college students and corporate professionals, all united in recognition of the malign nature of the 'Church' of Scientology, the danger it poses to society, and the necessity of action.

We are Anonymous.
We are legion.
We do not forgive,
We do not forget.
Expect us.

For more information visit:
http://www.whyweprotest.net
http://brumanon.co.uk

References:
[1] Media coverage of the court’s decision:
http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/civil/article416511.ece

[2] Video analysis showing that Scientology manufactured the bomb threat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6pdGhHvwu8

[3] Media coverage of the Belgian authorities raid:
http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Authorities_in..._of_Scientology

[4] Media coverage of the France trial:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/sep/09/france.religion

[5] Media coverage of the Kazakhstan case:
http://www.interfax.com/3/468595/news.aspx

[6] Leaked Scientology document exposing their front groups:
http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Talk:The_Corpora..._of_Scientology

[7] Media coverage of the build up to the CCHR event held June 2008:
http://archives.tcm.ie/irishexaminer/2008/.../story66081.asp

[8] Media coverage exposing plans to use Narconon to infiltrate Irish schools:
http://anoneire.ning.com/profiles/blogs/cu...ays-scientology

[9] Extensive analysis exposing Study Technology as poorly veiled Scientology:
http://www.studytech.org/study_tech.php
Irish

[10] WISE company Diskeeper is being sued for forcing Scientology teachings upon its employees:
http://realitybasedcommunity.net/archive/2...er_cio_sues.php

[11] Second chance violating their lease in New Mexico and leaving a substantial bill after they fled:
http://kob.com/article/stories/S761360.shtml?cat=500

[12] Coverage of the conference:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2008/09/06/18533664.php

[13] The speeches made at the Hamburg conference:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AboutScientology

[14] Leaked Scientology documents:
http://wikileaks.org/wiki/Category:Scientology

[15] Australian news broadcasts portions of the infamous OT3 lecture in Hubbard’s own voice for the first time. OT3 is a highly confidential level in Scientology which costs its members thousands of pounds to learn. Its basic teachings are that all life’s anxieties and mishaps are caused by the infestation of dead alien souls:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0WetfWy3hE

[16] A selection of documentaries about Scientology from various countries:
Spain - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3cNdLK3tqs
Ireland - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypDb2e4vdy4
Germany - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vl8gVtKzD5Q
Israel - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsqMqtpU44o
England - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dv4u3fVQrU
Denmark - http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6722222657154769083

[17] Analysis of the Headleys' cases against the Scientology enterprise:
http://realitybasedcommunity.net/archive/2...headley_v_1.php
http://realitybasedcommunity.net/archive/2...ire_headley.php

[18] Buy ‘The Complex’ here:
http://www.eason.ie/items/9781903582848

[19] Scientology prevents UK-based booksellers from stocking ‘The Complex’:
http://anoneire.ning.com/profiles/blogs/ch...tology-prevents

[20] Recent interview with John Duignan on the Gerry Ryan show:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zRcRkpaA_7k

anonstick - February 9, 2009 09:22 PM (GMT)
That looks great. Less sure about the links under "For more information visit:..." - maybe WWP main site's enough for Anon (or BrumAnon as well), and have some others in there, like Ex Scientology Kids?

A few little suggested changes:

QUOTE
What a difference a year makes. Scientology operatives still continue to try to discredit Anonymous and other critics as a means of diverting attention from the truth. But it just isn’t working, and we're not going anywhere.


QUOTE

[11] Second chance violating their lease in New Mexico and leaving a substantial bill after they fled:

[15] Australian news broadcasts portions of the infamous OT3 lecture in Hubbard’s own voice for the first time. OT3 is a highly confidential level in Scientology which costs its members thousands of pounds to learn. Its basic teachings are that all life’s anxieties and mishaps are caused by the infestation of dead alien souls:

[17] Analysis of the Headleys' cases against the Scientology enterprise:

[20] Recent interview with John Duignan on the Gerry Ryan show:


Falco - February 13, 2009 10:25 AM (GMT)
There've been a couple of replies, other than the usual out of office replies etc. Both have been acknowledgements of the release, and have mentioned passing it on to the relevant staff for consideration. Could well be an auto-reply, but eh.



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