European Scholars and Human Rights Advocates Applaud ECHR Decision on Scientology Religion

Since the unanimous decision in favour of the Scientology religion by the European Court of Human Rights on 5th April 2007, European scholars and human rights advocates have recognized the importance of this decision, not only in upholding the rights of Scientology churches and their parishioners throughout the 46 countries under the Court’s jurisdiction, but in the establishment and protection of religious freedom for all religions in Europe.

The Human Rights Court found that Russia, by withholding official registration, was preventing the Church from "exercising the full range of its religious activities," which constituted violation of freedom of religious association and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.

"The decision 'Church of Scientology Moscow v. Russia' of the European Court of Human Rights constitutes a major breakthrough as far as religious freedom is concerned," stated Nassos Theodoridis, Director of 'Antigone,' the Greek information and documentation centre of human rights. He added, "Such court decisions always play a crucial educational role and in the long run they contribute to the restriction of discrimination based on religious grounds."

At a recent conference in Moscow, where the Russian translation of the Court’s findings were released, Mr. Gabinzov, Advisor to the Ombudsman of Russia, applauded the decision and its ramifications for Scientologists throughout Russia and Europe. He praised the work the Church does, saying "the most important point is that Scientologists are helping and doing something about it, which is what Russia needs." And he called the decision "the last nail in the coffin of Russian bureaucracy."

Mrs. Alexeeva, President of the Helsinki Federation of Moscow, who is also familiar with how much work Scientologists do to help their communities, was happy with the decision, saying it was well deserved. She emphasized that this decision has gone a long way toward combating discrimination, which is necessary for real freedom to exist.

Mr. Navisky, Chair of the International Association of Human Rights, pointed out the importance of this decision in establishing the rights of every religion and social organization in Russia. Mr. Oveckhin, Aide to Congressman Cherepkov, was also pleased, stating that Scientologists deserve this win.

In Denmark, Dr. Lisbet Christoffersen, an expert in religion law and Associate Professor at the Department for Systematic Theology at Copenhagen University, said, "The judgment may very well change the understanding of Scientology." She added, "The religious dimension to Scientology is more and more commonly being recognized."

"This is a great victory for religious freedom in Europe," said professor of Contemporary Religions from Helsinki University, Juha Pentikainen, while the Secretary of the Greek Chapter SOS Racism, Mr. Dimitris Levantis, called the win "the continuation of the European Court’s successful interference in subjects of violation of the religious freedom in the countries of Europe."

In Belgium, Pastor Robert Hostetter, who has a popular Christian program on Belgian television, believes that "this decision will change the jurisprudence in EU."

The Scientology religion was founded by L. Ron Hubbard. In the past year large new central churches in Berlin and London and more than 1,500 new centers, mission and churches of Scientology were opened, bringing the total to more than 7,500, operating in 163 countries.

For more news on the Scientology Religion visit the Scientology Press Office.