Germany
BLOG
The Human Cost of Germany’s Failed Scientology Surveillance
For years, Germany justified extraordinary surveillance of Scientologists by claiming the religion represented a threat to democracy.
BLOG
The “Sect Filter” System
One of the most controversial features of Germany’s anti-Scientology campaign was the spread of so-called “sect filters”—declarations requiring individuals and businesses to distance themselves from Scientology in order to obtain contracts or professional opportunities.
BLOG
When Religion Became a Liability
For decades, Scientologists in Germany faced a question few citizens in democratic societies ever expect to confront: Could their religion cost them their livelihood?
NEWS
After 30 Years of Failure, Germany’s OPC Still Refuses to Admit Scientologists Were Never the Threat It Claimed
Germany’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution has now ended nearly thirty years of nationwide Scientology surveillance without establishing the extremist threat it repeatedly used to justify the campaign.
NEWS
For Decades, International Bodies Warned Germany Over Its Treatment of Scientologists
Germany was not protecting democracy by excluding Scientologists. It was violating the principles democracy exists to protect.
NEWS
Germany Isolated Itself From the Democratic Consensus on Religious Freedom
For nearly three decades, Germany claimed democratic authority for a campaign of surveillance, blacklisting and discrimination against Scientologists.
NEWS
Scientologists Speak Out on the Human Cost of Germany’s 30-Year Surveillance Campaign
While the allegations never materialized, the damage to innocent people
was real.
NEWS
Thirty Years of Surveillance Ends Without Finding the Threat Germany Claimed Existed
History has shown the danger that arises when governments and institutions systematically distort the beliefs of a minority religion in order to justify exceptional treatment against it.
VIDEO
Billie Wegmann on the Lasting Human Impact of Germany’s 30 Years of Surveillance
Billie Wegmann describes escalating hostility at her child’s school that culminated in physical aggression and threats of police removal after parents discovered she was affiliated with Scientology.
VIDEO
Hans Bschorr Speaks Out on the Human Cost of Germany’s 30-Year Surveillance Campaign
Former political reporter Hans Bschorr describes losing his professional standing and livelihood after rumors spread about his Scientology faith.
