The prosecutor in a French trial involving the Church of Scientology
has asked that the group be banned in France and handed a hefty fine if
convicted on fraud and other charges.
The persecutor's
office has asked that fines of €2 million be levied against the group and its
French bookstore, if the two entities are found guilty on charges of organised
fraud and illegal pharmaceutical activity. Such fines are exceptionally high by
French standards.
Suspended prison sentences have also
been requested against six of the group's French leaders, who are also being
tried.
The group, considered a sect in France, has faced
prosecution and difficulties in registering its activities in many
countries.
The Paris trial began late last
month.
AP