When I was writing the recent post posing the question about whether Miscavige would show up to yank his ribbon in Paris, I tried to verify whether he had gone to Moscow for their ideal org, and also the status of the St. Petersburg org.
I was surprised to discover when you search for scientology orgs in Russia on scientology.org — it draws a complete blank.
It only shows missions in neighboring countries when you enter “find a church” and type in “Russia”…
Google it and there is a press release from 2011 announcing the opening of the first ideal org in Russia, in Moscow, with a quote from David Miscavige — though he was not in attendance.
There was a church of scientology in St. Petersburg — once declared the size of old St. Hill!
Now these orgs do not show up on scientology.org.
No scientology organizations in the largest country on earth? What about the unprecedented, monumental, exponential expansion that is beyond anything ever experienced in history? No orgs in Russia. None in China. None in India or anywhere else in continental Asia or the Middle East or North Africa. In fact, a majority of the people on earth have no access to a scientology org in their country.
Really doing a great job of Clearing the planet Dave.
Its almost as if everyone else knows who they really are except us
More details about Scn in Russia have by now already been added here. I have two things to add.
When the two orgs in Moscow and St Pete were closed, all Scn books were burned. Not by order of the Russian government but by order of Scn management and from what I now know that order had to have been sanctioned by Miscavige. Nobody below him has the needed authority for such a drastic step. While possession of banned books is criminal under Russian law, they could have at least offered them for free to loyal Scientologists. But no, that probably was considered out-exchange by DM, so let’s just burn the lot.
Back in 2017 there was a letter from Miscaviage to the St Pete defendants “…our prayers are with you.”
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VeofJ3_54gFCBenJrU6m_g8Z2XCV1x9r/view?pli=1
It’s a pathetic letter by the head of the Scn network when compared to actions taken at other occasions specifically: French, Italian and Spanish raids and arrests were answered with immediate Sea Org missions with one purpose: to get the defendants out of jail in accordance with Hubbard’s clear instructions:
“IN ALL SUCH CASES OF ARREST FOR THE PRACTICE OF SCIENTOLOGY, THE HASI WILL SEND A REPRESENTATIVE AT ONCE, …”
The Scientologist, a Manual on the Dissemination of Material
To my knowledge no S.O. missions were fired to Russia. Miscavige has left Scientologists in Russia stranded and on their own. He utterly failed and the few Scientologists left there know this quite well.
Thanks for this. Holy moly, that letter is cringe!! And quoting the “scientology prayer” – as if anyone gives a toss about that drivel.
Thanks for this info. Just mentioning Italy, “prayers” (embarrassing) never arrived, but millions and millions from the IAS to pay teams of prestigious lawyers did. And in Italy, they had done stupid things with the money, including defrauding the incapacitated and more. Additionally, in Italy, all the organizations were closed by scientology after the raid and reopened as other corporations. Upstream – but here memories are vaguer – one of the triggering factors was some years before when the GO published names of politicians and other big names involved in sexual abuse of minors in one of its magazines. Obviously, it didn’t go over well.
My, oh, my. Italy. That’s a long time ago – kind of like last century 🙂
Mulliri was the Investigating Magistrate.
I dimly remember those Italian Freedom newssheets with sexual abuse of minors by some big names. If I am not mistaken they were produced under the direction of Gabriele Segalla, the Assistant Guardian for Italy. After having been sentenced to 20 months in jail, he was given an IAS “freedom medal” in 1991.
Exactly! Good memory. Her name was Guicla Mulliri. A nasty demon for scn. While Segalla is always like an external shoulder of OSA. He writes books also favorable to scn, is a chemist or something else, and has written things about COVID vaccines. Great friend of Mario Sala Co Otl itl. All the money that IAS has given – a lot – then it took it back from the public. Maybe in Russia it wasn’t feasible so it was out-exchange so “we pray for you and save yourselves”.
Wasn’t it the KGB that infiltrated Scientology and stole Hubbard’s basic manuscript of philosophical musings of Scientology, ‘Excalibur’ back in the wild and wooly days of the cold war while the US had hysteria about ‘commies under the bed,’ particularly in Hollywood? Russia took the wind out of Hubbard’s sails a long time ago. Any form of mind control is a fascinating addiction for them, cheaper than bullets.
I think expecting anything resembling the truth concerning either Scientology being allowed in Russia or Miscavige rambling on about Scientology being a technology that is both kind and strong is, at best, a strong belief that “Puff the Magic Dragon” is a true story (sorry if I just offended anyone).
Isn’t reading about the trading in the currency of lies a frustrating business.
I remember the Vladivostok mission winning the birthday game in the mid 90’s. I’d say 1995, give or take. We were suspicious because we thought the Buenaventura Mission was going to win.
When I search Vladivostok Scientology, there is no link to the mission. Only articles about lawsuits, etc.
There are many unclear things with scn in Russia, confidential, in the archives of the FSB ex KGB. It must be said that scn was banned in Russia shortly before the special operation in Ukraine. This is calculated by the secret services, since they know that they can incite protests. Even though it has always been under fire in some way, after Ivanov’s intervention who also said that scn was connected to the CIA… to the FSB, and the Security Commission, Patriarch who are all former KGB. Then there is the Arsenij PetrovyÄŤ Jacenjuk affair in Ukraine… who they say was an OT6… etc… The question is Mike, you who were the head of OSA, there is news of SCN men in the CIA, FBI, UN , NATO…etc..which…in short, operate against governments…etc?
Pera cotta, both Moscow and St. Petersburg were the only organizations present in Russia but surrounded by a multitude of missions and groups sending people to these two orgs. So, a volume of money that translated into funds for international management (SO reserves), then I help groups, wise groups,missions, and other money flowing out of Russia. Obviously, this bothered. Especially since many of hubbard’s writings and lectures are against governments. scientology has always operated like a swarm of crazed locusts consuming everything it can and not caring much about local laws because “the greatest good” is to do so.
As for connections or interactions with intelligence services or similar things, I really don’t think so. Sometimes intelligence services use very borderline characters or organizations, but no one would stoop to using scientology, to what advantage? It’s just a scam that has no utility, except for themselves.
Yes, I have read the reasons for the ruling in Russia on the status of an unwelcome organisation… money… etc. Sure, laws have been broken, but this is just an excuse to ban it. scn was in the security council’s sights for a long time, church raids..books banned..org moscow shut down in 2015..ect. Scn does its business, statistics first, then it handles itself. We all know it here. But if Arseny Yachenjuk, former Ukrainian prime minister, was said to be scn ot6 and was with Nuland at Maidan… etc.. I was saying: scn wanted to take revenge in Ukraine and collaborated with the CIA, the US government to cause the coup d’Ă©tat down there and all that? since the Russian government waged war on him. Let’s talk about fair game!?
Now I understand. Sorry for the confusion. I personally have no data regarding collaborations between scn and the CIA, and I’ve never read anything about it. Is yours just an assumption or do you have information?
Anyway, regarding hubbard’s directives, I would have serious doubts that such a thing could happen, unless DM is also overstepping there, but he doesn’t have that influence.
It’s a fact that many things predate the war and that scn has lost a considerable amount of statistics, cash flow, and people at Flag (more money), and that the most important stat in scn on which everything is based is the SO reserves. Any other action in the end must always relate to that. There is any idealism in scn.
I understand you didn’t understand.. ha ha ha. And if I asked Mike a question about it, it means I don’t have any data…he being the head of OSA, he might have some. The SP policy is clear…any method to destroy the enemy. And it’s certainly nothing new that SCN is in parliaments, in the army, police… there are SCNs everywhere I think. How can you change the world if you don’t infiltrate where it’s going? Just like the Jesuits do…etc..
“Ah ah ah” (???).
I should have “ack” this talk earlier.
“Scientology has always operated like a swarm of crazed locusts consuming everything it can and not caring much about local laws because “the greatest good” is to do so.”
I like that summation; it outlines the only true significance of that group. The Church of Scientology should never be viewed otherwise than a pending police and justice situation.
“The Church of Scientology should never be viewed otherwise than a pending police and justice situation”
And I really like this because it defines a constant of scn: troubles.
Looks like Scientology is banned in Russia. That explains the lack of Scientology orgs there.
I visited the org in St Petersburg RU in 2011 and it had only a few folks in it. It was in a fairly good part of town but even so had security guards at the door and we had to pass through scanners. After entering we walked around and only encountered staff members; seemed like there were no public there at all. Probably why they don’t publish photos of it.
https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2021/09/24/russia-bans-church-of-scientology-with-undesirable-tag-a75142
Yes, the CoS is banned in Russia.
It’s hard to believe that Scientology had over 10,000 members across Russia, as the Moscow Times reported — although I assume the numbers came from Scientology itself. It might have made them seem like more of a threat, with the fastest growing “religion” set to make Russia Ideal.
It made me wonder if Scientology informed its members of the ban. The church was under attack and funds could be raised to support religious liberty in Russia. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in favor of the church* after Russia refused to allow Scientology to register in several regions. So it seems like it would have been a natural fundraising opportunity.
Scientology could have at least made a documentary about religious suppression or created an underground network to smuggle the Way to Happiness, similar to how Brother Andrew and other Christians smuggled bibles into the Soviet Union.
Scientologists could also donate to produce a dramatic film about resisting religious oppression in Russia, starring Tom Cruise or John Travolta.
Have any Russian Scientologists sought asylum elsewhere after they were made illegal? And if a Scientologist visited Russia would they have to donate money to make amends?
In the other news, I am glad that Jon Attack concluded that Mike is not to blame for controversies surrounding Miriam, but since I have never believed otherwise my time is better spent doing other things, like to taking a hike.
Probably for not paying kickbacks and bribes and protection money.
Vladimir Ivanov was the one who brought LRH technology to Russia in 1990 after the collapse of the Soviets. “I want to publicly apologize to the Russian people for helping the Church of Scientology penetrate our country,” Vladimir IVANOV says on live radio.I also want to warn everyone against communicating with Scientologists. The Church of Scientology is not a spiritual association, but a purely commercial and fraudulent structure. But it took me, a person with enormous professional and life experience, years to understand this.“I invited the first Scientologists to Moscow in 1991, when I was the head of a department in the Ministry of Internal Affairs,” recalls Vladimir Ivanov.In 1994 I launched a program in Russia. (narconon).Apostates….are the worst enemies. Traitors…throughout the ages have always caused trouble. Civilizations have become extinct..planets have disappeared..
I just saw the you tube interview that Jon Attack does on Mike Rinder regarding the Miriam Francis allegations. It is a very good, thorough interview that gives facts and answers all the questions etc. I highly recommend you view this excellent interview. Jon Attack said he has looked extensively into all the allegations against Mike and he can’t find any proof of any of it. Jon even asks anyone with any proof to contact Miriam. And if there are no charges to be filed, Mike is innocent until proven guilty. Jon says also that he has known Mike for many years and has never known Mike to tell him anything that is untrue. He also said that Mike has never refused to answer a question. He said the crimes of the C of S should be our focus. I agree.
Thank you Cindy. If anyone wants to throw up a link to this video it’d be most appreciated.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuUKx73HV_c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuUKx73HV_c
Hi Cindy
Jon is a very bright, and good man, like Mike, The video was very easy, to understand. I can only continue to say that Mike’s Anti scientology message, has reached millions of people, even me, here in scandinavia, through documentaries, tv series, big podcasts, and a non profit organization. He has given the FBI, and police departments help. If redemption, is not an option, how do people expect Sea Org members, to come out of the cult…
Yes there are many haters, but honestly, I think that there are, at least, as many supporters of Mike. We have ordinary lives, and don’t scream, at other people. Redemption must be possible. It is the only way, to fight scio.
Kind regards
Kim
Kim, what a lovely, well thought out, and sane treatise on the subject of redemption! I wholeheartedly agree. And you make a good point that maybe the detractors of Mike are not larger in number, but are just louder in voice with the screaming and big dramatics. Redemption is something Mike and many others have achieved from their tireless good works to expose light to the crimes of the C of S and Miscavige. And through the Foundation, Mike and others have helped hundreds of poor SO and Scns leave the church and find freedom. Without the Aftermath Foundation’s help, both financial and moral support, they would be stuck in the prison of belief, only no longer believing, and suffering every day. That is redemption and that is a good thing. Mike, thank you for all your work.
Thx Cindy, I had to write to support Mike, after seeing the comments, on the Jon Atack video, and the response streams that were going up, almost before the video had ended:) Mike has many supporters, the 10-15 yt channels, with their shared audience, just stand out. I just could not act that way, towards another person.
Kind regards
Kim
Kim, I agree. Because the 10 to 15 YT channels have shared audience, it makes it look like so many people think the same thing, when actually it is a vocal minority. It is a mob mentality. People just doing and saying things cuz a few Opinion Leaders tell them what to think or how things are. And then instead of putting their attention on bring down DM and C of S, they put their attention on bringing down Mike.
ICYMI, St. Petersburg org was under criminal investigation from 2016 to 2023.
After the org was raided in 2017, EDs Ivan Matsitsky and Galina Shurinova, D/ED Konstantia Esaulkova, DSA Anastasia Terentyeva and Treas Sec Sahib Aliyev, were arrested and detained on charges of extremism and illegal entrepreneurship.
All five were convicted in August last year by Nevsky District Court. With the exception of Esaulkova, all were found guilty of “creation of an extremist community”, “illegal entrepreneurship (extraction of income on an especially large scale)” and “incitement of hatred or enmity by an organized group” – the latter relating to the church’s enforced disconnection policy and treatment of SPs. The Treas Sec was also found guilty of money laundering. Those still under house arrest were released for time served and fined.
See https://www.sova-center.ru/religion/news/harassment/intervention/2023/08/d48521/
Switzerland and Sweden rejected their request of recognition as church because they are seen clearly as a commerciale activity.
It seems that not all nations approve of the commercial method scn has adopted to ‘clear the planet.’
By policy, they go straight ahead, disregarding everything and doing as they please, specially with money, until they are stopped, and then they complain that their ‘religion’ is under attack.
In 2009, the Russian Supreme Court banned some “religious” texts of scn, labeling them as extremist. Subsequently, they faced issues regarding sending significant amounts of money abroad, violating other laws. At this point, I believe the cult is definitively deemed an illegal activity in Russia.
This was a interesting blog post to read. I mean it just proves the point tht Scientology isn’t the greatest/ most well known/ successful. Since they can’t keep two orgs open in Russia.
Exactly. Losing these two orgs, EU Cont has lost almost about half of its statistics. The rest came from Italy, Hungary and Germany, then all the others (a handful of peanuts)
you will know well that at the time when you were daring, a guy from the narconon, the head of the narconon Russia began to act as an apostate and began to form a third party, with the government, FSB, patriarch… and even created a party politician against scn.