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Press watchdog backs Argus
Evening Argus, Monday, 1 August 1994, bottom of front page
by Paul Bracchi [small pictures of three previous Argus front pages are shown. caption: "How we revealed the activities of the Scientologists in a series of revelations".] Britain's newspaper watchdog has thrown out complaints against the Evening Argus by the Church of Scientology. The cult accused us of inaccurate and misleading reporting following our investigation into its activities earlier this year. But the Press Complaints Commission dismissed every single allegation. Today Argus editor Chris Fowler said: "The Scientologists have tried every trick in the book to prevent us publishing details about their activities. "This ruling confirms that our investigations were carried out to the highest standards of British journalism and that they were fully justified." Our articles revealed how the cult: o Ran its national headquarters in East Grinstead like a military machine, where many human rights could be stripped away. o Employed a private detective to target opponents. o Had strong links with Greenfields School in Forest Row and the drug rehabilitation group Narconon. The Scientologists said our coverage breached the newspaper industry's Code of Practice. But the Press Complaints Commission found no substance in the claims. It ruled the Argus was: JUSTIFIED in using the description "military machine" to portray the cult's UK base in Saint Hill. JUSTIFIED in saying the American private eye employed by the cult targeted opponents of the Church. JUSTIFIED in reporting Greenfields School was shy about revealing its links with the cult. JUSTIFIED in pointing out how the school had warned us off publishing an article. JUSTIFIED in reporting that controversial disconnection policies, under which cult members can be ordered to shun friends and relatives, have been used by the Church.
Up: Martin Poulter > Scientology Criticism > UK Media Archive