8 June 2001
From: [email protected]
Date: 8 Jun 2001 20:58:17 -0000
To: <[email protected]>
Subject: [henson] Corrected PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
===
Today in Toronto, California free speech activist Keith Henson won a stunning victory in the first stage of his application for refugee status in Canada.
Henson, an American, fled the US fearing that he would be persecuted in prison after being convicted for his public criticism of the Church of Scientology. He was convicted under an obscure clause of California law that forbids "interfering with a religion."
"I'm just glad to be out and in Canada," says Henson from the home of his sponsor, Toronto Scientology critic Gregg Hagglund.
Henson was detained for more than a week after Church of Scientology officials in Toronto complained to Immigration about his presence in Canada and depicted him as "dangerous". Today, he was released and his application for refugee status was accepted. Decision about that status might take up to two years.
Henson is represented by the law firm of Mamman and Associates.
For the present, Henson will remain in Toronto. He says he's not going to stop fighting what he sees as injustices perpetrated by the cult.
"I was calling attention to Scientology's callous disregard for human life." says Henson. "I just wish I'd been able to do it in my own country."
For more information, please contact Keith Henson or Gregg Hagglund or counsel Guidy Mamann of Mamann & Associates or by visiting the Free Henson website at
http://www.operatingthetan.com
Contact information:
Keith Henson c/o Gregg Hagglund
Email: [email protected]
http://www.operatingthetan.com
or
Telephone: 905-844-6216
2237 Mund's Ave
Oakville, ON L6H 3M9
Canada
Henson's counsel
Mr. Guidy Mamann
of Mamann & Associates.
Email: [email protected]
(416) 862-0000
74 Victoria Street, Suite 303
Toronto, Canada M5C 2A5
-30-
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