I think we should watch it so that there is some context. These clips being uploaded by scientologists are backfiring as people so far are being too intelligent to take them at face value.
Just a head's up if we are going to discuss this, the "church of scientology" have got a lot of money (we're not to ask where from) and as a result have got powerful lawyers. If anyone says anything questioning them (and please exercise that right), we'll be sure to have one of them magically appearing hell bent on defending the cu... church.
There's an interview with the editor if Panorama on the BBC website. Apparently the Scientologists reckon the programme has broken '150 Ofcom rules'. There's can't even be that many (not that Ofcom regulate the BBC) but it just shows how desperate the scientologists are to avoid anything negative
After watching the unedited clip, I have to say I can't blame him for losing his cool, I know it's unprofessional but at the same time it's not nice to be followed by these Psychos.
Scientologists recorded the outburst and then complained that Sweeney had made a "terrorist death threat." Oh, puh-leeze. If there's anything worse than being a sinister, greedy, brain-washing cult, it's being a crybaby sinister, greedy brainwashing cult.
I was one of the 'lucky' 100,000 to receive one of the Scientologists' rebuttal DVDs in the post today.
The letter and DVD label make no mention of Scientology or this particular Panorama edition - the East Grinstead address for 'Freedom TV' is the only giveaway.
Apparently the Scientologists reckon the programme has broken '150 Ofcom rules'. There's can't even be that many (not that Ofcom regulate the BBC) but it just shows how desperate the scientologists are to avoid anything negative
I thought Ofcom was in charge of all broadcasters?
Either way, I wouldn't be surprised if tonight's
Panorama
was pulled. Even though Scientology is generally regarded as a cult for nutters, there's no denying that it's got a lot of legal clout behind it. However, the odds are stacked against it.
Mr. Sweeny was 'followed around', spied on, harassed and surveilled.
Mr. Sweeny had his mind manipulated in a way that caused him to act in a manner which I'm sure most of his friends, relatives etc. would testify in court was most out of character. These are, if I am correct a violation of the European (and probably American) conventions on human rights.
Mr. Sweeny could sue the Church of Scientology for misrepresentation in the mass-media. And he should IMO - give them a taste of their own medicine.
Mr. Sweeny could also sue the COS for libel - in no way were his remarks
'terrorist death threats'
.
