Church of Scientology accused of holding woman hostage
Church of Scientology accused of holding woman hostage, denies claims
The church of Scientology in Sydney is facing hostage-holding accusations after a young Taiwanese woman was hospitalized when she punched through a window at the church in order to, as she initially claimed, escape the church’s headquarters in Dundas, Australia.
The incident occurred in March of 2012 after Alice Wu expressed a desire to leave the church’s Sea Organization headquarters. Wu had signed a billion-year contract with the church in 2011, vowing to join this “elite” branch of the church, ABC News reported Tuesday.
The Sea Org is the “singularly most dedicated” branch of the religious group, according to Scientology.org.
Following her request to leave, she suffered a mental breakdown and was put into isolation, according to Wu’s cousin, Teresa Wu. “She was still offered food but was locked in a room. It is an isolation room in the Sea Organization,” Teresa Wu told ABC.
The church’s lawyer Stuart Gibson denied the allegations claiming she was actually in a “sick bay.”
Full article:
http://dailycaller.com/2013/02/27/c...cused-of-holding-woman-hostage-denies-claims/
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The Church Of Scientology in Sydney has been accused of holding a young Taiwanese woman hostage after she suffered a mental breakdown. The Church of Scientology denies the allegations.
Transcript
EMMA ALBERICI, PRESENTER: The Church of Scientology in Sydney has been accused of holding a young Taiwanese woman against her will after she suffered a mental breakdown.
Alice Wu was hospitalised last March after a serious cut to her hand caused by punching a window at Scientology's Sydney headquarters.
Alice Wu's family claims she hurt herself trying to escape. She eventually returned to Taiwan.
The Church of Scientology denies allegations that she was held captive or forced to do anything against her will.
The case is said to highlight Scientology's controversial beliefs around psychiatry.
Steve Cannane has this exclusive report for Lateline.
STEVE CANNANE, REPORTER: At 20, Alice Wu had a bright future. She was living in Taiwan, studying Commerce and working part-time in a library.
Just over a year later, her life is in ruins.
Mentally ill and unable to work or study, she shuffles down the street like a woman four times her age.
Her family blames the Church of Scientology in Australia.
TERESA WU, COUSIN OF ALICE (voiceover translation): A 20-year-old girl's life has been destroyed. It is an evil cult, just nothing but an evil cult.
STEVE CANNANE: In late 2011, not long after being introduced to Scientology, Alice Wu was recruited to the Church's elite Sea Organization, signing the standard billion-year contract and moving here to Dundas in Sydney's west.
Complete article and transcript:
http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2013/s3698162.htm
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