The material in this survey is for non-commercial use only.

Media Survey of Scientology news in Germany
from German-language media
Period covered: 1997 - 2001, with some pre-1997

Comments:

Scientology, considered a political extremist organization, is under surveillance by the Officer for the Protection of the Constitution (OPC) in most of Germany, with the exception of Schleswig-Holstein. (Despite that fact, Scientology's Narconon program was shut down in Schleswig-Holstein.) "Under surveillance" means the government gathers information on Scientology, with approximately 60 percent coming from sources available to the public, such as newspapers, 20 percent from other agencies, and 20 percent coming from intelligence work. That excludes phone-tapping and opening of mail, which is reserved only for violent organizations in Germany. [1] "Under surveillance" by the OPC means that Scientology was officially, publicly warned that it would be put under surveillance before it ever happened, and that the OPC publishes annual reports on what it surveils. [2]

It can be libelous to call someone a Scientologist in Germany, even if the person really is a Scientologist. One effect of this was to start the rumor mills about who might be a Scientologist. One remedy for this recommended by the authorities is to have people sign a declaration stating they don't use Hubbard technology. Nevertheless, having people sign the Technology Declaration to say they don't use Hubbard Technology was more the exception than the rule, even at government agencies. Of course it's the exceptions, such as the CDU political party, which have gotten much publicity. People were also concerned about whether their banks employed Scientologists, so some banks also had their employees sign the legally approved declarations refuting Hubbard technology. When Scientologists were found, they were let go. Some of these fired Scientologists sued the banks and received compensation. The police and city governments have also been sensitive to Scientology within their ranks. Another defense against accusations of having Scientology connections is to actively pursue anti-Scientology informational work. German authorities are concerned about disassociating themselves not only from Scientology but from critics who escalate tensions as well. There are indications that Scientology has established artificial critics among its ideological enemies.

A number of public Scientology debates, which included Scientologists, have taken place in Germany, and have included speakers from the USA. There have also been a number of presentations on Scientology that did not involve Scientologists, as well as presentations on various cults of which Scientology is only one example. Perhaps as a result of these discussions, inquiries about Scientology have decreased at local cult counseling centers. Public interest in Scientology is fading.

Consumer protection seems to be a good way of dealing with the "psycho-market", but Germany has not progressed very far along those lines. There are a few consumer protection agencies that are subsidized by the government for dealing with the topic of Scientology.

Not all German sect commissioners have taken a firm stand against Scientology. At least one state Interior Minister feels that the danger from Scientology has been overestimated for years. Others feel that it's too late, that that battle has already been lost to Scientology and the "Me Culture." Scientology is also regarded as a capitalistic religious substitute, which promotes success, wealth and exploitation of the weak. On the other hand, Scientology backers point out that the US knows how to do business, so they are therefore right about religion, too.

Scientology has a strong presence in the construction and real estate business in Germany. As a rule, Scientology companies do not wish it to be known that they are connected to Scientology, although this is not always possible, due to freedom of speech.

In perspective:
Scientology is only one of many Psycho-groups in Germany. Scientology is sometimes viewed as a manifestation of excessive freedom in the USA. It is recognized that the US and Germany have different views of Scientology and human rights.

Notes:

[1] Suedwestfunk: Report Baden-Baden of 27 October 1997, "Scientology und Verfassungsschutz" by Thomas Leif. "An especially effective means of gathering information is not available to the Constitutional Protection agents. Telephone tapping and opening of mail, the so-called G-10 measures, do not apply to Scientology. For that there is insufficient evidence of danger, so there's only a limited field of insight for the intelligence agency."

[2] For example, the OPC 1996 report from the German state of Nordrhein-Westfalen is a 304-page paperback book with color photos, and the sections are color-coded according to what type of extremist group is being reported upon: brown for rightwing, red for leftist, yellow for foreign terrorism, and green for espionage. The brown section is the largest, and this edition contains an article about Gerhardt Lauck, an American who was sentenced to four years in German prison for distributing Nazi literature in Germany. Pages 38-42 are devoted to Scientology, in a non-color-coded section called "Developments in Extremism."

Categories:

Court Reports

Public and government information

  1. 20010820 szon Armstrong sheds light on Scientology Tettnang
  2. 20010606 badische ztg. Gerry Armstrong in Germany Loerrach
  3. 20010502 nrz The Dangers of Positive Thinking Essen
  4. 20010426 Frankenpost Presentation on Scientology Marktredwitz
  5. 20010419 Mainpost Keeping Scientology Under Surveillance Duesseldorf
  6. 20010321 Muenster Ztg Total Control not a big selling point Muenster
  7. 20010208 PNP First-hand knowledge is valuable Passau
  8. 20001129 Volksblatt Psycho-Charlatans & Life Consultants Grafenrheinfeld
  9. 20001128 Braunschweiger Ztg Be Warned and Informed about Cults Koenigslutter
  10. 20001121 Volksfreund Spirits, Gurus and Miracle Healers Trarbach
  11. 20001031 FNP Official wants action against Scientology Giessen
  12. 20001025 StZtng Happy Birthday Constitutional Security Berlin
  13. 20001020 Allgemeine Keeping Scientology under Surveillance Augsburg
  14. 20001018 NRZ Presentations on sects Muelheim
  15. 20000919 Rheinische Post Bringing light into the sect tunnel Berlin
  16. 20000916 NordwestNet Sect counselor transferred Bremen
  17. 20000905 Suedwest Presse Hartwig reliable source of Scientology info Neu-Ulm
  18. 20000905 Neu-Ulm Ztg Federal Representative meets with Hartwig Neu-Ulm
  19. 20000728 TAZ Scientology disappearing from the city Bremen
  20. 20000626 Hessian Radio Radio Show on Psychic Dependency Hesse
  21. 20000515 Schwaebischer Verlag Dubious offers of healing Ellwangen
  22. 20000505 Neue Ruhr Ztg Local German Sect Info report Essen
  23. 20000419 Berlin Kurier Church & politicians warn of sects Steglitz
  24. 20000411 TAZ Scientology's Bridge to Total Exploitation Duernast
  25. 20000410 Neue Tag Family Seminar presentation on Scientology Fensterbach
  26. 20000406 Main-Echo Bavarian Interior Minister Guenther Beckstein Lohr
  27. 20000325 Sindlefinger Ztg. A brief mention of Scientology Sindelfingen
  28. 20000208 Neue Tag Scientology: Church or Totalitarian Org Parkstein
  29. 20000202 Vogtland Anzeiger City Keeping Scientology under surveillance Plauen
  30. 20000106 Koelnische Rundschau Religious pluralism in large German cities Cologne
  31. 19991229 Saarbruecker Zeitung Cult Education: What are politicians doing? Saarbruecken
  32. 19991228 Neue Westfaelische NRW Constitutional Security chief speaks Duesseldorf
  33. 19991227 Saarbrueker Zeitung Cult Education - Scientology Saarbrueck
  34. 19991222 TAZ Looking for meaning can be expensive Saarbrueck
  35. 19991115 Fraenkischer Tag Scientology: A danger for state and society? KosterBanz
  36. 19991113 Echo Online German sect commissioner on year 2000 Mainz
  37. 19991111 Mannheimer Morgen Important ex-Scientologist tells his story Mannheim (Jesse Prince)
  38. 19991105 Neumarkter Nachrichten Information night for Scientology Postbauer-Heng
  39. 19991103 Badener Zeitung Info night on Scientology in Germany Baden
  40. 19991029 FNP Scientology, science fiction and raw meat Karben
  41. 19991013 PNP Concerned mother warns of sect methods Ettling
  42. 19991004 PNP Presentation on Scientology to be given Ettling
  43. 19990916 PNP Sect Commissioner warns of psycho-market Reisbach
  44. 19990914 Suedwestpresse Narconon Story Metzingen
  45. 19990819 PNP Sect expert speaks Altoetting
  46. 19990803 Ruhr Nachrichten German Scientology Info Day Innenstadt
  47. 19990521 Neue Westfaelischen Constitutional Security report Duesseldorf
  48. 19990520 KNA Scientology Overestimated Duesseldorf
  49. 19990515 Trierischer Volksfreund Scientology weakened Trier
  50. 19990424 Fraenkischer Tag Constitutional Security Exhibition Erlangen
  51. 19990423 Erlangen Nachrichten State security holds exhibition Erlangen
  52. 19990421 KNA Rightwing Extremism Receding Potsdam
  53. 19990403 Main-Echo Class Project America Gmuenden
  54. 19990330 Saarbruecker Zeitug Moslems In, Sects Out Saarbrueck
  55. 19990312 Mainpost German expert speaks on Scientology Gmuenden
  56. 19990303 Kieler Nachrichten Knothe new sect commissioner Kiel
  57. 19981211 Die Welt Interview with German Scientologist Sect Expert Hithere
  58. 19981128 Frankfurter Neue Presse German Scientology sect experts speak Kriftel
  59. 19981124 Mindener Tageblatt German Scientology Expert speaks Hille
  60. 19981120 Main Echo What is Scientology? Hithere
  61. 19981104 Saarbruecker Zeitung German Sect Expert Norbert Potthoff Presentation on Scientology Illingen
  62. 19981103 Main-Echo German Evangelical Church Information Series speaks on Scientology Dieburg
  63. 19981103 Hoechster Kreisblatt German Evangelical Church Presentation on Scientology Kriftel
  64. 19981100 book Norbert Potthoff book excerpt Berlin
  65. 19981007 Der neue Tag / Amberger Zeitung German Scientology Sect Expert Hans Rueckerl speaks Weiden
  66. 19980917 Nassauische Neue Presse German Scientology Expert Dr. Georg Schutz speaks BadCamberg
  67. 19980915 Die Welt German sect commissioner warns of false promises of salvation Tiergarten
  68. 19980906 Telepolis Gunter Wallraff on Scientology Hannover
  69. 19980521 Nordwest-Net German Scientology expert Pothoff speaks Ganderkesee
  70. 19980430 Robin-Direkt Scientology in southern Germany directed from Switzerland Baden
  71. 19980429 Hamburger Abendblatt German Interior Minister not worried about Scientology Kiel
  72. 19980427 Nordbayerischen Kurrier German sect expert Renate Hartwig speaks on Scientology Bayreuth
  73. 19980327 Mainpost German sect expert Renate Hartwig speaks on Scientology BadBruckenau
  74. 19980312 Mainpost German sect expert Ursula Hoff speaks on Scientology Salz
  75. 19970610 Stern New Book on Scientologist Helnwein by Peter Reichelt hiter
  76. 19970604 Frankenpost German Scientology expert Reverent Wolfe speaks Rehau
  77. 19970220 Frankenpost German Scientology sect expert Vossmerbaeumer speaks Wunsiedel
  78. 19960816 TAZ Scientology: Extremism of the Brainwashing kind Bavaria
  79. 19960115 TAZ Interior Secretary demands ban on Scientology Cologne
  80. 19960112 TAZ Security Chief against surveillance of Scientology Saarbrucken
  81. 19950925 Der Spiegel Scientology's Operation "Snow White" RobertVaughnYoung
  82. 19950812 Schweriner Volkszeitung German Scientology activity report in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Rostock
  83. 19950512 Die Woche 18 German Scientology News Translations - Potthoff, Cabert, Beckstein, etc. hiter

Scientology creations

Public response

Special Events

In passing - reports of an incidental nature

  1. 20010811 Suedwest Psycho-groups can destroy lives Ulm
  2. 20001212 Weltspiegel Germany a land a variety Schmitten
  3. 20001205 SZ Criticism from civil servant OK Ansbach
  4. 20001128 Bremer Nachrichten Cleaning up after Scientology left Bremen
  5. 20001125 RON Anti-church leaflets distributed Mutterstadt
  6. 20001125 Fraenkischer Tag Emotional Intelligence cult promo Weisendorf
  7. 20001110 FR Moon: On the Roadblock to Germany Schmitten
  8. 20001110 Abendblatt The Cemetery of the right sectarians Hohenwestedt
  9. 20001104 AFP Moslems protest imprisonment Duesseldorf
  10. 20001025 Cologne Rundschau If spiritual advisors know so much... Cologne
  11. 20001019 Rundschau Happy 50th Birthday Constitutional Security Cologne
  12. 20001009 Volksblatt No fight against non-believers Berlin
  13. 20000927 Singener Wochenblatt Jesus Freaks and sexual abuse Berlin
  14. 20000922 Nuernberger Nachrichten Bearing false witness against sect Nuernberg
  15. 20000921 Koelner Anzeiger Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany Cologne
  16. 20000906 Welt Cult researcher cloning dead babies Berlin
  17. 20000822 FR A brief mention of Scientology Darmstadt
  18. 20000822 BaZ Ghost Buster from Freiburg Freiburg
  19. 20000705 Zeit Propaganda for demagogue wannabes Berlin
  20. 20000628 Weser Kurier Way to Happiness Big Business Weser
  21. 20000628 TAZ Devout people are happier Wuerzburg
  22. 20000616 St. Gallen Tagblatt Withdrawal of support for Scientologist MainauIsland
  23. 20000520 RON Protestants and visionary Christians Kindenheim
  24. 20000505 Neue Ruhr Ztg Increased interest in Satanism, Occult Essen
  25. 20000422 unoffiicial Clinton receiving Charlemagne Award Aachen
  26. 20000422 unofficial Foundation for granting Charlemagne Award Aachen
  27. 20000419 SVZ Scientology too dangerous to spoof Berlin
  28. 20000414 Aachener Ztg You can rely on Billy Boy (Clinton) Aachen
  29. 20000320 Aachen Zeitung Feedback on Clinton's Charlemagne Award Aachen
  30. 20000301 Suedkurier Students interested in media BadDurrheim
  31. 20000228 Westfaelische Rundschau Local complex will not house criminally insane Meinerzhagen
  32. 20000127 TAZ After the attack dogs come the rats Mannheim
  33. 20000126 Nuernberg Zeitung Scientology tactic fails for Christians Wuerzburg
  34. 19991227 SZ Cult Education Article mentions Scientology Saarbrueck
  35. 19991220 Stuttgarter Zeitung Unscrupulous Magician convicted of fraud Backnang
  36. 19991210 RON Map through the jungle of religious groups Berlin
  37. 19991210 Main-Echo Esoterica - past and present Erlenbach
  38. 19991113 Badischer Zeitung Scientology mentioned in 'fight club' review Freiburg
  39. 19991018 TA Fiat Lux - The spaceships are here already! Ibach
  40. 19990921 Stuttgarter Zeitung Dangers of Sects and Addiction discussed Goeppingen
  41. 19990803 Trierische Volksfreund Interlude: Protecting Old Folks Konz
  42. 19990802 Goettinger Tageblatt Interlude: Emotions Anonymous Goettingen
  43. 19990723 PNP Wellentology: the wave of the future Landau
  44. 19990714 Mannheimer Morgen Occultism and Youth Ladenburg
  45. 19990711 Westfaelische Nachrichten Medical Practitioners warn of Miracle Healers Karlsruhe
  46. 19990621 Rheinpfalz Online Speyer Pilgrims warned about sects Speyer
  47. 19990601 PNP Another brief mention of Scientology Kirchberg
  48. 19990428 Lycos Rightwing violence increased in Thueringen Erfurt
  49. 19990421 Neue Westfaelischen The high price of total freedom Bielefeld
  50. 19990218 Saarbruecker Zeitung Lecture given on Satanism Saarland
  51. 19981126 Trierischer Volksfreund Former German Scientology building threatened by wrecking ball Daun
  52. 19980710 Deutsches Allgemeines Sonntagsblatt German Sects in the Psycho Market hiter

Media Survey of Scientology news
from German-language media
Berlin, Germany
Period covered: 1997 - 2001 with some pre-1997

Comments:

Berlin was originally the default city for Germany, so it is possible that this section contains non-Berlin events. The reports, however, can still be generalized to Germany.

Paid informants are no longer used against Scientology in Berlin. Berlin security police offered money to a Scientologist to spy on Scientology. The Scientologist took the money and told Scientology. Scientology sued the security police. The security police lost.

Robert Minton won a libel case against Scientology in Germany. His suit was connected with libelous information Scientology was distributing under various guises through various channels.

For a pro-cult view, see anything by Gerhardt Besier, who now heads the Hannah Arendt Institute and supposedly is leading the fight against totalitarianism. Thomas Gandow, sect commissioner for the Lutheran Evangelical Church, was a major player in keeping the public informed about the actions of Scientology.

2001 brought in tougher laws on terrorists, including groups that designate themselves as religious, but (big non-news): no special law was passed to protect religions from libel. This wouldn't make any difference in Scientology's case, since, as German President Rau stated, no religious substance was present in that discussion.

A Berlin police director was falsely accused of being connected with Scientology. This was a catastrophic non-event which was much capitalized upon by Scientology such as for the US State Department. The false accusation provided not only the motivation and resonance for the political enemies of Berlin's OPC (Office for the Protection of the Constitution) to enact long overdue changes to that agency. The Berlin OPC's cover was blown reportedly searching for connections between the police director and Scientologists. Refer to note on paid informants.

While Germany came under fire from the USA for discriminating against Microsoft for using software from Craig Jensen, a Scientologist, Jensen himself reportedly stopped providing tech support for a company because he discriminates against drug manufacturers.

Scientology celebrity John Travolta achieved much publicity with his movie "Battlefield Earth".

Continued surveillance of Scientology was discussed and decided upon. There was a Scientology march in Berlin in 1997.

In perspective
Much attention has been paid to the experiments of American neurophysicist Benjamin Libet. They lead some observers to the conclusion that people do not do what they want, instead, they want what they do. The media present the media as a cult in The Truth fails the Sect Test. Along those lines, certain anti-Scientologists have been known to appear as exorcists.

Categories:

Court Reports

  1. 20011215 Spiegel End of Surveillance of Scientology?
  2. 20011213 unofficial Scientology sues secret agents and wins
  3. 20010327 unofficial Minton vs. Scientology in Berlin
  4. 20010327 personal Minton Wins - Scientology Loses
  5. 20010202 SWR TRO overturned for UPS
  6. 19980708 Die Welt Scientology sues to deny police director
  7. 19980418 TAZ Charges dropped against German police commissioner who gave data to Scientology
  8. 19950303 TAZ German court rules Scientology must report as a business
  9. 19840526 Mannheimer Morgen Is Scientology a religion?

Public and government information

  1. 20011115 Stern Good-bye, Cruel Will! A new slant on Brainwashing
  2. 20010918 rundschau Religious privilege to drop
  3. 20010917 dpa Tougher Laws against Terrorists
  4. 20010901 unofficial Free Information on Scientology
  5. 20010709 TAZ Consumer Protection in the Psycho-market
  6. 20010608 BM Scientology financial power growing
  7. 20010503 BD Winning is not everything
  8. 20010200 Esotera Tons of Documentation
  9. 20001205 Maerkische Allg. Better Business for religion
  10. 20001205 BZ Consumer Protection in Religion
  11. 20001122 unofficial Bundestag report on Minor Inquiry
  12. 20001112 EBI EBI: 'Leaving is Chic'
  13. 20001110 unoffical Minor Inquiry return on Scientology
  14. 20001100 IHK Scientology criminal methods at work
  15. 20001027 Saarbruecker Ztg Germany recognizes Scientology brainwashing
  16. 20001026 unofficial Parliamentary inquiry on USA and Scientology
  17. 20001010 unofficial Minor Inquiry on Scientology
  18. 20001002 BM Accused of being a sect commissioner
  19. 20000828 BM Dealing with people in religious groups
  20. 20000706 BM Gandow warns of political extremism
  21. 20000516 BM Berlin Constitutional Security Reorganizing
  22. 20000510 TAZ Cleaning up Constitutional Security
  23. 20000504 Giessener Anzeiger European-American relations report
  24. 20000422 BM Key word: Scientology
  25. 20000417 BM Sect Mecca Berlin
  26. 20000310 Welt Bones of Contention between EU and USA
  27. 20000212 TAZ Kent: Clinton as Scientology Lobbyist
  28. 20000212 Berliner Morgenpost Experts fear Scientology influence growing
  29. 20000211 RPD Scientology's international political influence
  30. 20000131 AP PDS wants more help for sect victims
  31. 20000129 dpa Commercial Life Management to be regulated
  32. 20000128 AP 200,000 young people in sects in Germany
  33. 20000204 RPD Dialogue of Religions criticized
  34. 19991220 unofficial Press Release on Enquete Recommendations
  35. 19991219 BM Keeping Scientology under surveillance
  36. 19991026 Tagesspiegel Scientology in the Real Estate Business?
  37. 19990724 Nuernberger Zeitung Sect Cartel
  38. 19990723 Nuernberger Zeitung Scientology forages eastward in Europe
  39. 19990129 Yahoo German states coordinate in dealing with extremism and Scientology
  40. 19990105 Berliner Morgenpost Renter Information on rights and Scientology
  41. 19981208 TAZ Scientology Real Estate News in Germany
  42. 19981119 Der Tagesspiegel Sects recruit on Campus
  43. 19980916 Sect Commissioner German Jews and Moslems deny Scientology coalition
  44. 19980913 Sect Commission German voters to be made aware of sects in politics
  45. 19980826 Sect Commissioner Reverend Gandow's Inquiry of Scientology association from Islamic Council
  46. 19980529 Renate Rennebach German Enquete Commission Final report released after two year study
  47. 19980520 TAZ Germans report on Right Extremism
  48. 19971107 TAZ Gerry Armstrong speaks about Scientology
  49. 19971101 Zitty Scientologists in Berlin - 1997
  50. 19971101 Zitty Chick Corea - 1997
  51. 19950310 TAZ German Scientology Real Estate in Condo Conversion
  52. 19950310 TAZ German Scientology Real Estate - condo coversion
  53. 19920624 TAZ Scientologist in German steelworks

Scientology creations

Public response

Freedom of Information Law

  1. 20001113 BZ Berlin Freedom of Information
  2. 20000609 TAZ Records Access increases work load
  3. 20000609 BZ Scientology wants many files
  4. 20000608 TAZ Records Access for Scientologists
  5. 20000323 Welt Freedom of Information Law used by cult

Dubious Asylum

  1. 19971111 TAZ Scientology understands US politics

Suspicion

In passing

  1. 20011009 dpa Can psychiatry cure Scientology?
  2. 20010918 TAZ Hodgepodge of political Islam
  3. 20010612 Welt New Retirement Program
  4. 20010329 BZ Porno-Cowboy floats his needle
  5. 20010313 20minuten Happy B-day! In good company
  6. 20010211 Spiegel Celebrities as high-profile lobbyists
  7. 20001223 Tagesspiegel German logic - religion and state
  8. 20001220 TAZ Moslem view of JW decision
  9. 20001219 Netzeitung Jehovah's Witnesses getting religion?
  10. 20001213 Tagesspiegel RJ Lifton in Berlin
  11. 20001207 TAZ Possible Undercover Scientology Tech
  12. 20001122 Spiegel Personal Data and Net Security
  13. 20001121 Badische Ztg Falun Gong not Chinese Scientology
  14. 20001109 BZ Even a Hausherr can't help :-)
  15. 20001027 idw E-meter debunked by psychiatrist
  16. 20001026 Welt Who is between me and God?
  17. 20000915 BZ PR Company creates public opinion
  18. 20000828 BM Speaking with Mormons at the front door
  19. 20000824 Mainpost UL cult wars: Ban the Bible
  20. 20000810 TAZ Heil Hitler grounds for dismissal
  21. 20000810 TAZ Waldorf School replies to criticism
  22. 20000804 TAZ Waldorf Schools and theories of race
  23. 20000804 Junge Welt The Bible a favorite Sunday thriller
  24. 20000803 FNP Pure Love Alliance another Moonie front
  25. 20000802 idea Moon sect infiltrating youth organizations
  26. 20000722 TAZ The Truth fails the Sect Test
  27. 20000620 BM Help, I think I'm turning German!
  28. 20000607 Unofficial National religious persecution condemned
  29. 20000602 BZ German Federal Chancellor Schroeder interview
  30. 20000505 TAZ Flirting with the Islamists
  31. 20000411 TAZ Army without uniforms
  32. 20000402 Sonntag Aktuell A brief mention of Scientology
  33. 20000329 BZ One man show mentions Scientology
  34. 20000329 BZ Sects, Right-wingers and Nazis
  35. 20000323 BM Back to Life comedy show
  36. 20000318 Welt The Marvels of Modern Technology
  37. 20000308 Welt A brief mention of Scientology
  38. 20000101 Spiegel Psychological coaching branches out
  39. 19991101 BZ Miss Amerika apologizes for Scientology
  40. 19991028 BM 'Miss Amerika' apologizes for Burger King, crack and Scientology
  41. 19991015 DS Underground Library in a Berlin Church
  42. 19991008 Lycos Cults: Plight of the Helpless
  43. 19990902 Welt Word of Caution about a totalitarian future
  44. 19990718 Berliner Morgenpost Some history behind fighting sects
  45. 19990619 Spiegel After-effects of emotional suppression
  46. 19990428 Berliner Zeitung Rightwing violence increased
  47. 19990308 Deutsch Radio The Liberty Bell
  48. 19990119 Die Welt International Olympic Committee uses same PR firm as Scientology
  49. 19981222 TAZ A Passing mention of Scientology in Real Estate
  50. 19980731 dpa Scientology pales to Jehovah's Witnesses
  51. 19980528 MAJA VPM members wrote Cult Hunters letter
  52. 19980420 Stern Psycho-Market
  53. 19980319 Stern Personal Data Security
  54. 19980123 Zeit Not too late to guru
  55. 19971200 snsjs Unification Church (Moon Sect)

Media Survey of Scientology news
from German-language media
Hamburg, Germany
Period covered: 1997 - 2001, with some pre-1997

Comments:

Scientology is under surveillance in Hamburg, although it was not considered a danger to the Constitution. Scientology is considered to be a business, not a church. Regarding what Scientology calls the "sect filter," Scientology addressed companies directly to oppose the Hubbard Technology statements, perhaps because its complaints about it were legally inadmissable. Scientology also held a large public demonstration in Hamburg in 1999, in conjunction with moving to a new location. Scientology had gotten a deal on its old building from a Scientologist, but when that person left Scientology, s/he sued Scientology to vacate the building for unpaid back rent. This and the fact that the old building was to be demolished was interpreted by Hamburg sect commissioner Ursula Caberta to mean that Scientology's financial power was decreasing. She may have been using this as a pretext to warn prospective landlords to be wary of Scientologists looking for a new home. The situation worsened despite her efforts, however, when it turned out that Scientology moved to an even more conspicuous location with great fanfare. Citizens united against Scientology in the first half of the last decade in Hamburg to resist Scientology's building 'conversion' schemes.

Ursula Caberta has led the Work Group on Scientology (AGS), which issues the Hubbard Technology Security Declaration, commonly known by Scientology and the US State Department as the "Sect Filter", since its inception. Scientology has not yet succeeded in removing Ms. Caberta from her job, but it's not been for lack of trying. The AGS has also done extensive work in keeping the city of Hamburg informed about many aspects of Scientology, including the likely unintended proof that Scientology not a criminal association. Hamburg AGS has also sponsored visits to Germany for American critics of Scientology Hana and Jerry Whitfield, Bob Minton and Stacy Brooks, Graham Berry, Robert V. Young, and Canadian professor Dr. Stephen Kent.

Ms. Caberta's self-proclaimed Nemesis is Renate Hartwig, a writer who explores the genre of cult horror tales ("Das Netz" for example). Now she still writes cult horror tales, but with Caberta and German Homeland Security cast in the roles as the She-devil and the Cult. Ms. Hartwig is listed in the survey both for and against Scientology.

In perspective:
It was noted by politicians that the US and Germany have different views on Scientology.

Categories:

Court Reports

Public and government information

  1. 20010709 Spiegel Status: the Fight against Scientology
            RPF Booklet
  2. 20001024 MoPo Caught in Scientology's concentration camp
  3. 20001024 FR Scientology's Penitential Camps
  4. 20001024 FR Scientology's Penitential Camps
  5. 20001024 BZ Scientology acknowledged as brainwashing
  6. 20001024 Bild Scientology's Penitential Camps
  7. 20001024 Abendblatt Scientology brainwashing camps recognized
  8. 20001023 unofficial Brainwashing in Scientology's RPF
  9. 20001023 dpa The peak of diplomatic arrogance
  10. 20001023 AP Addressing issue of re-education camps

  11. 20000608 MoPo Predominance over happy slaves
  12. 20000608 Hamburger Abendblatt Wrocklage backs information on Scientology
  13. 20000607 Yahoo France and Germany on Scientology
  14. 20000607 Rhein-Neckar Ztg Europe: Keeping Scientology under surveillance
  15. 20000513 TAZ No non-denominational sect counseling
  16. 20000425 MoPo Hamburg Scientologists more aggressive
  17. 20000407 TAZ Scientology bankrupt, but dangerous
  18. 20000407 MoPo Visit from Scientology Enemy Nr. 1
  19. 20000407 Bild Hamburg Scientology almost broke
  20. 20000407 Bild Hamburg Scientology almost broke
  21. 20000406 Abendblatt Is Scientology Bankrupt in Hamburg?
  22. 20000106 TAZ Hamburg Scientologists staying legal
  23. 19991027 MoPo Caberta interview on new Scientology center
  24. 19991026 TAZ Scientology changing locations in Hamburg
  25. 19990909 Stern Scientology not a matter of Constitutional Security
  26. 19990831 AP Scientology has been overestimated
  27. 19990812 Focus Scientology Moving out by year end
  28. 19990809 Focus Scientology attracts disturbed people
  29. 19990807 TAZ Hana and Jerry Whitfield on Scientology
  30. 19990625 MoPo Psycho-sect looking for a home
  31. 19990623 MoPo Scientology Center Coming Down
  32. 19990623 MoPo Interview with Ursula Caberta
  33. 19990623 Hamburger Abendblatt Scientology Center to be torn down
  34. 19990423 Welt New construction plans
  35. 19990423 MoPo Statistics on Extremists
  36. 19990422 Lycos Statistics on Extremists
  37. 19990415 Hamburger Abendblatt Scientology Center Relocation
  38. 19990415 Die Welt Scientology Center Relocation
  39. 19990406 Focus Sect Corporations
  40. 19990204 Hamburger Abendblatt Politician works to improve German-American relations
  41. 19990130 WN Online Expert says Scientology Losing Members
  42. 19981124 Hamburger Abendblatt Hamburg Scientology have Down Statistics
  43. 19981123 Yahoo Hamburg Scientology Center under Pressure
  44. 19981102 Die Welt Hamburg Scientology Center to be sold
  45. 19980411 TAZ German Senator Wrocklage speaks on Scientology
  46. 19980411 Hamburger Abendblatt German Senator Wrocklage speaks on Scientology
  47. 19980402 Hamburg US Scientology expert Graham Berry speaks
  48. 19980331 TAZ US Sect Expert Berry speaks on Scientology in Germany
  49. 19980331 Hamburger Abendblatt US sect expert Berry speaks on Scientology
  50. 19970421 Sueddeutsche Zeitung German Scientology Escapee Tanya speaks
  51. 19970130 Schweriner Volkszeitung US Criticism of Scientology dealings dismissed

Scientology creations

  1. 20000531 TAZ Scientology blacklisting German companies
  2. 20000408 MoPo Scientologists smiling after loss in court
  3. 19981218 Hamburger Abendblatt Scientology Uses Whistleblower Tactics

Public response

Special Events

In passing - reports of an incidental nature

  1. 20010502 MoPo Psychological terrorism of cults - VPM
  2. 20010117 dpa How Scientology makes news
  3. 20001204 MoPo Battlefield Earth backer decimated
  4. 20001204 Abendblatt Playing God
  5. 20000803 SZ Vitamin doctor uses accusations of genocide
  6. 20000414 Hamburger Abendblatt Caberta stands up in a crowd of SPD
  7. 19991118 Schwaebischer Verlag Jonestown, November 18, 1978
  8. 19991103 Hamburger Abendblatt Sect info serves as therapy for Apostate
  9. 19991000 Junge Karriere In the Psycho-Supermarket
  10. 19990807 Hamburger Abendblatt World Psychiatry Congress in Germany
  11. 19990805 Main-Echo Book publisher sued repeatedly
  12. 19990220 Spiegel Death Cheaper than a Bowl of Noodles
  13. 19990218 Badische Zeitung Secret Agencies Advertise on Internet
  14. 19950704 Welt Fascinated with Cults

Media Survey of Scientology news
from German-language media
Munich, Germany
Period covered: 1998 - 2001, with some pre-1998

Comments:

Scientology is under surveillance in Munich. Munich was assumed to be where the German OSA headquarters (Office for Special Affairs: OSA) is located, so some OSA "noisy investigations" of Ursula Caberta, Thomas Gandow, Bob Minton, and Dr. Norbert Bluem are in this index. Munich is also in Bavaria, so Bavarian Interior Minister Gunther Beckstein, who is a major player in Germany's study of Scientology, has had considerable effect upon the area. Public initiatives against Scientology were well-organized in this region, and their successes were broadcast for the public. Government response to Scientology included hotlines, crisis centers for Scientology victims, and distributing information in schools. The media, in turn, reported extensively on the suspicious death of a German Scientologist. In connection with that death, Scientology was raided, but not charged.

A regional chairman for a youth group tried unsuccessfully to call for a boycott of companies advertising for Scientology. Munich mistakenly tried to compel a civil servant to reveal his Scientology connections, if any. Scientology failed to stop Bavaria's information campaign to inform the public about Scientology.

Prior to 1998, a few items covered include: Scientology investigator's cover blown. German Reporters went undercover to investigate Scientology. As far back as 1972, the German media was publishing information on Scientology in Munich.

Categories:

Court Reports

Public and government information

  1. 20010302 unofficial Bavarian OPC report on Scientology
  2. 20000608 Mittelbayerische Ztg Beckstein supports Constitutional Security
  3. 19990831 AFP Bavaria Strikes Back
  4. 19990705 Mittelbayerische Zeitung Meeting with Constitutional Security
  5. 19990323 Die Presse Are Open Borders a danger for Bavaria?
  6. 19990312 Unofficial Bavarian Beckstein says information over Scientology
  7. 19990309 KNA Crisis Centers for Scientology victims
  8. 19990301 Sueddeutsche Zeitung There is Hope for the USA
  9. 19981119 Main Echo Jesse Prince in Europe, gives statement to Bavarian Interior Ministry
  10. 19981118 Stern TV Konrad Aigner Memorial Pages
  11. 19981118 Stern TV Konrad Aigner Memorial Pages
  12. 19981115 Yahoo German Constitutional Security Agency to continue surveillance of Scientology
  13. 19981115 Focus Keeping Scientology Under Surveillance
  14. 19980923 Sueddeutsche Zeitung German internal state security reported on Scientology
  15. 19980821 Sueddeutsche Zeitung Magazin Sad story of Scientologist Konrad Aigner
  16. 19980821 Sueddeutsche Zeitung Scientology's Connection to Death of its members
  17. 19980619 AFP German Hotline on Scientology
  18. 19980604 Yahoo Bavarian Minister cites Scientology psychological terrorism of critics
  19. 19980525 Focus Bavarian administration increases measures against Scientology
  20. 19980320 Bavaria Web Page German Interior Secretary speaks on Scientology
  21. 19980311 DLF Death of a German Scientologist
  22. 19980311 DLF Suspicious Death of German Scientologist
  23. 19980309 Main-Rheiner German Bavarian Secretary speaks on Scientology
  24. 19980307 Bavaria Web Page German Bavarian Secretary Beckstein speaks
  25. 19980306 Bavaria Web Page State Secretary of Culture criticizes Greens
  26. 19980214 Sueddeutsche Zeitung German Labor Laws applied to Scientology
  27. 19980214 Passau New Press Death of German Scientologist
  28. 19980214 Passau New Press Brother of deceased German Scientologist speaks
  29. 19970909 Bavarian Web Page Bavarian Minister Beckstein reports Scientology exploits children
  30. 19970609 Br-online German Reporters investigate Scientology methods
  31. 19970604 Book excerpt German Scientology expert Haack writes
  32. 19951214 sz Protecting consumers from Scientology
  33. 19900305 Knowledge Report copy of Knowledge Report found in Konrad Aigner's room
  34. 19860424 unofficial Disposition Munich State Attorney
  35. 19841202 Spiegel Scientology investigates the public
  36. 19750530 DZtg Scientology investigates Interpol
  37. 19730101 Der Spiegel Scientology policy in Germany includes Telephone Terrorism
  38. 19720909 Spiegel Scientology establishes beachhead in Munich

Scientology creations

Public response

Special Events

In passing - reports of an incidental nature

  1. 20001223 SZ German argument - religion and state
  2. 20000824 SZ Anybody can be sucked into a cult
  3. 20000803 SZ German pharmaceuticals expanding
  4. 20000721 junge Welt Esoteric Thought and Fascistoid Structure
  5. 20000712 Psychologie Heute Everybody has his cult Germany, Munich
  6. 20000627 Welt Battlefield Earth supporter downstat
  7. 19991231 SZ USA prepared for sect violence
  8. 19991218 SZ Adult education esoteric courses
  9. 19991213 Computerwoche Internet Links in danger of censorship?
  10. 19990507 SZ Religious Neutrality at Issue
  11. 19990228 Sueddeutsche Zeitung US Human Rights Report
  12. 19981125 Sueddeutsche Zeitung Sect Apologist explains World Conspiracy Theory
  13. 19981024 Sueddeutsche Zeitung Positive Thinking Can Make You Sick - Harmful Management Training
  14. 19980325 Sueddeutsche Zeitung Classified German Scientology information stolen with computer

Media Survey of Scientology news
from German-language media
Stuttgart, Germany
Period covered: 1998 - 2001, with some pre-1998

Comments:

Scientology is under surveillance in Stuttgart. Stuttgart, besides Hamburg and Munich, is one of Germany's hotbeds of Scientology activity. A long-term unsuccessful effort was made to try to de-register Scientology, but the state failed for at least two reasons. It relied solely on the testimony of one witness, and that witness's testimony was finally thrown out with a reference to "bias" (Verwaltungsgericht Stuttgart 16 K 3182/98 decision of 17 November 1999). There were a few scandals in which the unemployment office referred job-seekers to Scientology centers. Also, Scientology was occasionally successfully in its combined advertising/PR efforts in Stuttgart.

Besides the deregistration, unemployment and advertising failures, Stuttgart's bloopers included publishing Scientology's confidential tax information. Then there was another disgrace when the Stuttgart authorities spied upon one of their own politicians without telling him. Nothing in Germany however, with the possible exception of the the Berlin police director who was falsely accused of being a Scientologist, topped the Stuttgart secret agent who went into Switzerland to collect information on Scientologists. He was arrested by the Swiss Federal Police for being a foreign agent illegally gathering intelligence.

In the public sector, the city managed to prosecute a Scientologist for slapping a girl who had popped his balloon. In the private sector, the ABI consumer protection office successfully defended itself in keeping the public informed about Scientology.

Categories:

Court Reports

  1. 20010206 StN Stuttgart vs. Scientology Dianetics
  2. 20000215 STN Scientology dispute continues in Stuttgart
  3. 20000215 Sindelfinger Zeitung Scientology dispute continues in Stuttgart
  4. 20000215 Sindelfinger Zeitung Dianetics Stuttgart decision to be appealed
  5. 20000108 Stuttgarter Zeitung Scientology's protective religious camouflage
  6. 20000108 Stuttgarter Nachrichten Decision on Scientology association to be appealed
  7. 19991119 Stuttgarter Nachrichten Dianetics retains association status
  8. 19991118 Stuttgarter Zeitung Dianetics Stuttgart on trial by state
  9. 19991118 STN Dianetics Stuttgart on trial
  10. 19991117 Sindelfinger Zeitung Scientology may lose association status
  11. 19990622 unofficial German Court Decision on Scientology
  12. 19981113 Stuttgarter Zeitung Scientologists Lose Suit to reinstate street recruiting in Stuttgart
  13. 19981111 Stuttgarter Nachrichten Scientology sues to get Street Recruiting reinstated in Stuttgart
  14. 19980529 Stuttgarter Nachrichten German city reinstates suit against Dianetics/Scientology - explains Administrative Presidium

Public information

  1. 20010203 StZ Agency break-down causes upset
  2. 20010202 StZ Unemployed referred to Scientology
  3. 20000826 StN Street Recruiting illegal again
  4. 20000809 StZ Scientology campaigning in Stuttgart
  5. 20000721 StN Scientology may advertise in Stuttgart
  6. 20000526 Sindelfinger Ztg 2000: Keeping Scientology under Surveillance
  7. 20000525 Suedwest Presse Warning of increased sect advertising
  8. 20000323 Suedwest Presse Bluem is against Scientology
  9. 20000107 dpa Keeping Scientology under Surveillance
  10. 19991229 Suedwest Presse Keeping Scientology Under Surveillance
  11. 19990914 Stuttgarter Nachrichten Keeping Scientology Under Surveillance
  12. 19990914 Mannheimer Morgen Keeping Scientology Under Surveillance
  13. 19990619 Sindelfinger Zeitung Ursula Caberta in Stuttgart
  14. 19990427 MaMo Foreign Extremism on the Advance
  15. 19990311 Stuttgarter Zeitung Scientology in tactical retreat
  16. 19990311 Mannheimer Morgen ABI warns about Scientology
  17. 19990310 KNA Scientology Being More Careful
  18. 19990310 dpa Spotlight still on Scientology
  19. 19990303 Stuttgarter Nachrichten State plans Scientology clause
  20. 19990303 Stuttgarter Nachrichten Consumers should be better protected
  21. 19970224 StN Childrens' RPF case

Scientology creations

Public response

Suspicion

Special Events

In passing

  1. 20000907 StN Did Scientology make her do it?
  2. 20000814 StN Sect expert clears Scientology
  3. 20000405 StN Moslems in Germany
  4. 20000313 Suedwestdeutsche Religious instruction in schools
  5. 19990727 Stuttgarter Zeitung New German-American Relationships
  6. 19990601 Stuttgarter Zeitung Christian Science is not Scientology

Media Survey of Scientology news
from German-language media
Bonn, Germany
Period covered: 1997 - 2001, with some pre-1998

Comments:

Scientology is under surveillance in Bonn. As a matter of fact, Bonn is where the Germany interior ministers met to make that decision. Despite being under surveillance, several dozen Scientologists hold civil service positions in Germany. However, a German Bundestag Enquete Report stated after a two-year investigation it found no clear and present danger to society from Scientology, while the Office for the Protection of the Constitution (OPC) found that Scientology presented a threat to the internal security of Germany. The Enquete Commission brought back valuable findings from the USA, including the need not to be prejudiced against Scientology and not to make Scientologists feel like criminals.

Ingo Heinemann has been a reliable source of information on Scientology for decades. He has pointed out details of cults missed by the press, like that of a Scientologist buying the name of an anti-cult association to pose it as a cult counseling organization. Mr. Heinemann distinguishes between pro-cult and anti-cult critics. He advocates a sect consumer protection law.

Bonn noted differences between the US and Germany, of which the attitude toward Scientology is only one.

Categories:

Court Reports

Public and government information

  1. 20001115 Heinemann Scientology exploits court decisions
  2. 20000117 Heinemann Synopsis of Scientology in German courts
  3. 19990325 Yahoo Constitutional Security report presented
  4. 19990306 Hamburger Morgenpost Human Relations among nations
  5. 19981120 Berliner Zeitung Keeping Scientology Under Surveillance
  6. 19981119 Hamburger Abendblatt Keeping Scientology Under Surveillance
  7. 19981107 Spiegel German Interior Ministers' Conference decides to continue surveillance of Scientology
  8. 19980919 Der Spiegel German Security reports Scientology is on the decline
  9. 19980703 Berliner Morgenpost Scientologists hold 40 civil service positions
  10. 19980619 AFP Enquete Final Report - recommends continued surveillance of Scientology
  11. 19980529 Hamburger Abendblatt German Enquete Says sects not a threat and Scientology is not a sect
  12. 19980529 Berlin Online German Enquete recommends that psychological training groups be registered
  13. 19980314 Fuldaer Zeitung German Security accuses Scientology of endangerment
  14. 19980306 CityWeb Enquete on Scientology: Theme of Psycho-Terrorism
  15. 19980305 unofficial Opposing prejudice
  16. 19980303 Hamburg Abendblatt Dialogue about Scientology between Germany and the USA has materialized...
  17. 19980213 Rundschau Online German Enquete Commission investigates Life Management Training
  18. 19970627 German Web Page German Enquete Commission formed in response to people's requests
  19. 19970218 Heinemann Sect Consumer Protection Law
  20. 19960116 Die Welt German Federal Minister supports surveillance of Scientology
  21. 19951127 Spiegel Psychological Warfare with Scientology
  22. 19940918 Welt The Giant Scientology Octopus
  23. 19931224 sz Scientology's plan for Albania folded

Scientology creations

Public response

Special Events

In passing - reports of an incidental nature

  1. 20000601 ots Amnesty Int'l criticizes Clinton's award
  2. 19991216 cdscsu Keeping an eye on doomsday cults
  3. 19991116 AGPF Mass Murder, not suicide, in Jonestown
  4. 19991018 Welt Buyer Beware of personnel trainers
  5. 19990917 CDU/CSU unofficial World Children's Day
  6. 19990713 TAZ Experts want action on sects
  7. 19990713 Frankfurter Rundschau Parliament has taken no action on sects
  8. 19990630 AFP Herbal Remedies

Media Survey of Scientology news
from German-language media
Zwickau, Germany
Period covered: 1998 - 2001, with some pre-1998

Comments:

Thanks to an amazing display of showmanship by Scientologist Kurt Fliegerbauer, the story of Scientology in Zwickau is basically the story of Kurt Fliegerbauer vs. the city management of Zwickau. Fliegerbauer supposedly left town, but really didn't, and the Zwickau administration never seemed to quite get the upper hand in the situation. They were up against a Scientologist who put in an application for the government's cult information office.

The reaction against Fliegerbauer included city assembly members signing the anti-Hubbard technology declaration, but they didn't go so far as to allot funds for a downtown cult information office. The subject of Scientology was even a concern for local politicians. Questions to this theme were directed to a visiting Scientology expert, though specific answers have been elusive. An appeal to the federal government got the town nowhere.

In perspective:
Relations with the USA probably weren't helped by placing an image of Donald Duck on a historical building.

Categories:

Court Reports

Public and government information

  1. 20011021 fp Norbert Potthoff in Zwickau
  2. 20011012 fp Scientology expert Norbert Potthoff
  3. 20001216 Freie Presse No Scientology Info Office in Zwickau
  4. 20001213 Freie Presse Scientology smoldering in Zwickau
  5. 20001101 Freie Presse Office of Information on Scientology
  6. 20000527 FP Federal Chancellor cannot help city
  7. 20000427 Freie Presse Counseling on Scientology contested
  8. 20000215 Frankfurter Rundschau The retreat of the Thetan
  9. 20000127 Saechsische Zeitung Zwickau seeks help with Scientology
  10. 20000122 Freie Presse Chemnitz Scientology debate in Zwickau intensifies
  11. 20000108 Vogtland Anzeiger Zwickau does not support Scientology
  12. 199603