Anonymous vs. Scientology Turns One

PRLog (Press Release) - Feb. 8, 2009 - LOS ANGELES, CA - This month marks the one year anniversary of the Anonymous vs. Scientology worldwide above-ground protest movement called Chanology. To mark this auspicious occasion, Anonymous groups from all over the world have planned protests at Scientology locations at varying days and times. The dates and locations for the world-wide protests are posted on the Anonymous protest website WhyWeProtest.net. During the first protest on February 10, 2008, over 9,000 young, Anonymous protestors took to the streets to point out the many abuses perpetrated by the Church of Scientology. The initial February 10 date coincided with the birthday of Lisa McPherson, a 36-year-old Scientologist who died in Scientology's care in their Fort Harrison, Florida headquarters after a minor traffic accident. Twelve months later, the movement shows no signs of slowing down.

The twelve months of continuous above-ground and internet protesting has put Scientology in the collective internet and media zeitgeist for 2008. Anonymous, old-time critics of Scientology, Wikileaks, and various other organizations have successfully brought to light formerly secret documents, video and audio recordings, and practices of the Church of Scientology much to the dismay of the Church itself. 2008 marks the year that the infamous leaked Tom Cruise videos were ridiculed by comedians world-wide. Former Scientology members and actors such as Jason Beghe "blew", or left the organization, to speak out against it. Videos of protestors being assaulted by Scientology security guards and members became viral video at sites such as Gawker and YouTube. Disgruntled, former Scientologist Mario Majorski walked into a hail of bullets at the Scientology Celebrity Center while flailing katana swords, making headline news world-wide. Finally, the tragic January 2009 death of Scientology actor John Travolta's 16-year-old son Jett questions Scientology's stance on providing medical treatment for their members with special needs.

The February protests are still open to the public and one need not be part of Anonymous to be part of Chanology. It is highly encouraged that those who join the protests protect their identities by wearing masks or other facial covering such as sunglasses, scarves, and hats, and to use public transportation or make sure they are not followed to their vehicles by Scientologists engaging in their harassment technique called Fair Game. For more information on dates and times of the February protests for your city, please go to the Chanology protest website WhyWeProtest.net.

Anonymous is a loose, leaderless collective of individuals from all walks of life who use the internet and are united by the power of ideas. First known as internet pranksters, Anonymous projects have resulted in the closing of the white-supremacist radio show produced by Hal Turner, and the criminal prosecution of Canadian pedophile Chris Forcand. Anonymous has been called a "Cyber Vigilante Group" by The Toronto Sun and Global News.

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