There is a reason why Scientology is banned in the German Civil Service.

I have to say that all people no matter what race or religion should have rights. Scientology seems to be on the media radar these days but in all it is a religion and people should have the right to practice their religion. In history there were many of religious practices band because of prejudices against a culture and or race of people. We've seen this with Hinduism, Islamic faith practices, Native American spiritual practices, and many more. It is a new era and Scientology should be allowed in my opinion. I still don't quite understand Scientology but then again I never met one, or at least did not know they were one. I see a lot of ignorant protest against them and it needs to stop.

Scientology is not a religion. It is what appeals to Hollywood "crazies". Russian Orthodox is the religion of Russia.No need for Hollywood nonsense in Russia.

Europe has lost its mind. As even European countries have a mixed record on recognizing Scientology, what gives them the right to force Russia to violate its own laws, and demand damages? But what is new. Europe is a basket case, with no ideas, goals or fulcrum that binds them together. The hectares of EU regulations do not unity make. Quite to the contrary, it makes only lawyers wealthy.

It is a tax-dodging scheme for the hypocritical, Hollywood, global warming fantasy spreading, left leaning liberals. If I were a Russian, I would tell those Europeans to try to come and collect the fine in Moscow!

Scientologists believe that you can cure yourself of disease by will power alone and shun not only modern medicine and vaccines but even vitamins. Unfortunately Adult Scientologists force these beliefs on their children. There have been several court orders in the USA ordering such parents to allow medical treatment for their children, children who would die without (diabetes, leukemia etc) in some cases parents have faced murder charges and charges of child abuse/neglect for withholding proven medical treatment. Scientology is not a valid religion - a real religion does not dispute proven medical fact - not any major religion does, not Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism...... This EU court ruling is ABSURD.

Dear Eric I just saw your entry. I am a Scientologist and I can tell you that your information is false. Scientologist use medical care whenever it is needed. There are no restrictions on this. The claims you make in your posting regarding this point are non-existant. You appear to be mixing us up with something else. Please go to scientology.org and inform yourself correctly. It is the uninformed spreading of false data about religious groups that creates quite some upset and harm around the world. Best Edith

Hi Everyone, I see that there are a lot of comments about Scientology here. I am a Theologian; in simple English I study the history and practices of religions across the glob, both past and present. I would like to take and attempt to answer many questions, concerns, and false information surrounding religions as well provide a more realistic look into other cultures and different practices. Generally speaking many cultures have Taboos. Taboo refers to practices that are generally prohibited because of religious or social pressures. In America, even though most will never admit it, the Catholic religious practice and Jewish religious practice is prominently accepted over Islamic, and Native American spiritual practices. For the most part it is social pressure. Scientology is in fact a religion, I know some (a few) would disagree but it is actually a religious organization with a core function and culture. In many cases when people consider religious practices as Taboo it stimulates not from differences of opinion but mere ignorance and spreading of false rumors of another culture. In many cases, what we seen in the Americas of banning of Native American spiritual practice is in fact what we are seeing today with other religions. Scientology has for the most part stand out in the media. After studying Scientology and the Church of Scientology I have came to a conclusion. Scientology is and will remain a legit religion. Now here is the challenge, there are a lot of rumors surrounding Scientology, but the same could be said for every religion, epically if the culture that practices that particulate religion is or are oppressed. Many people have speculations and claim allegations that have not been settled in the judicial system as prof that Scientology as a religion is harmful and or corrupted. This is farthest from the truth.

Scientology I would agree has gotten an overtly negative reaction in the media but recognising it as a religion is going to far. What next Jedi? Still prefer Scientology over Islam though.

Russian authorities should protect citizens from false religions and pseudoreligions like Scientology. EU authorities follow their own pseudoreligion - secular humanism that is antichristian, that's why they are so confused and allow all kinds of weird teachings in their backyards. EU, leave Russian children alone!

I am puzzled as to how & why Russia was fined and this comment has nothing to do with how I or we feel about a religion. What makes this even more stupid is that the EU has no right to fine Russia or any other country for this matter, this is ridiculous, stupid and non-acceptable. The EU should learn a lession from this; Medvedev & Putin should cut the gas/oil for 1 week to the EU!

What are the beliefs of Scientologists? Are they the same as Christian Science? I believe Cristian Science was founded by Mary Baker Eddy. Perhaps someone can enlighted us about what these religions believe and practice. I have heard that some Holywood stars claim to belong and practice Scientology.

Scientology is just another money laundering, brain-washing cult from the USA and should be banned everywhere.

Scientology is a brainwashing cult. I'm glad Russia didn't yet give in to their threats. Shame on the European "court for human rights" to be a stirrup-holder for these scumbags!

Scientology is NOT a normal religion, it is an evil cult of the NWO system. It teaches some Holliwood - New Age nonsense. But what it really does is mind control of its unsuspecting victims. Scientology cult is a mind control experiment of the CIA. Hubbard is a CIA agent. Their "auditing" proccedure is a police-style interrogation about all of one's secrets. Once they know you, they take control of you by a large variety of methods. They force you to take unknown medicines they give you, without questions... USA does not recognise the international court and Russia must do the same. Russia must never recognise Scientology, it will turn many Russians into US mind control robots.

Russia should fine the EU for interfering in someone elses business. I guess Russia should follow the lead of the west and start calling organisations it has problems with terrorist organisations rather than cults. That way they can treat them any way they want. The only country that should be deciding what Scientologists are in Russia is Russia.

Good. I am not Russian. But I love how Russians and their government have the backbone to stand up for their traditions and beliefs.

"Scientology seems to be on the media radar these days but in all it is a religion and people should have the right to practice their religion." So there is no distinction between a cult and a religion to you? How old are you? Do you even remember Jim Jones? Do you think that cult induced mind control is not real? Do you think for a second that this is not a cult? If you do, please read the St. Petersburg Times series of articles "the truth rundown" from June of this year, available on google. The COS is a cult run with wanton violence-- a goodfellows cult. People love to talk. They hate to actually spend the time to learn what they are talking about.

Dear All, I already posted one comment and I am reading the various entries with interest. We are all living on planet Earth and we are not going anywhere. We are all responsible for the environment created and in which we live. I do not consider my religion a cult or any of the rather strange words used. Since I have studied Scientology for over 30 years I would think I know rather a lot more about it then anyone else posting here. It is a religious belief and I do have the right to believe that I am an immortal spiritual being and that anyone on this planet in the 21st Century has such a right and has the right to form a group to pracise his belief. All I did was to ensure that the people of Russia have the RIGHT to form their own groups and the EU Court confirmed that yes EVERYBODY has the right to practice their religion. If you want a taste of what the Soviets did to their own people who "believed something else then what Stalin dictated" then visit the Russian Gulags from the past. You do not seem to understand at all what was done to the Russian people, and since I like them and I love this country very much, I will do anything and everything I can do legally to ensure that these people after 70 years of total and utter suppression get the freedoms and the rights they should have. This is actually a bit more important for a saner world then all the nasty little comments I have read here. I rather work on preserving freedoms for ALL then engaging in rumor mongering. Edith