Scientology targeted by protestors

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Masked protesters who rallied outside Panmure’s Church of Scientology last month are expected back there tomorrow.

Scientology spokesman Mike Ferris says about 30 protesters gathered on March 15 across the road from the centre.

Mr Ferris has labelled them "nuts".

This Saturday’s protest will be the third organised by a group calling itself Anonymous, and Mr Ferris says the previous demonstrations have made him feel unsafe.

"I have received phone and email threats from people calling themselves Anonymous."

But protesters say it is not an attack against a religion.

"We want to make it clear this protest is not against the religion but against corruption," one protester says.

The March rally was timed to coincide with an important Scientology date – the birthday of founder L Ron Hubbard.

Anonymous claims to have started a "war" on Scientology because of its attempts to remove a video of Tom Cruise, made for Scientology members, from YouTube using copyright and trademark law.

Websites are used to gather people worldwide to join the "war", officially started with the first "Message to Scientology" on YouTube in January.

The video has been viewed by about 2.5 million people.

The message has reached New Zealand and the Church of Scientology headquarters in Panmure is now being targeted.

Protesters are urged to deliver peaceful demonstrations against Scientology.

But Mr Ferris says the campaign is "dangerous" and full of "religious intolerance and hate-speech".

"They have targeted me and my family.

"It’s a bit dangerous and I really don’t like it."

While Anonymous says allegations members want to harm anyone are untrue, Mr Ferris says the police have been informed.

- Kristina Koveshnikova is an AUT journalism student

- © Fairfax NZ News