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The Fight Against Coercive Tactics Network, or FACTNet, co-founded by Robert Penny and Lawrence Wollersheim, is a Colorado-based organization committed to educating and facilitating communication about destructive mind control. Coercive tactics, or "coercive psychological systems", are defined on their website as "unethical mind control such as brainwashing, thought reform, destructive persuasion and coercive persuasion". While this appears to cover a massive array of issues, in practice FACTNet's primary dedication is to the exposure and disruption of cult activity.[1] Recognizing this and desiring a more universally applicable appearance, FACTNet expanded its mission statement in 2002 to include "mind control and unethical influence as found in governments, corporations, social organizations, advertising/marketing, political organizations, the military and family groups".

Mission

FACTNet describes its mission as "protecting freedom of mind", and cites as its guiding precept the United Nations' Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Intolerance and of Discrimination Based on Religion or Belief, specifically its first article which includes the statement that "no one shall be subject to coercion which would impair his ability to have a religion or belief of his choice". This is described more palatably, if less objectively, in the slogan which is featured prominently on their website:

"We are to destructive cults, fundamentalism, mind control, and mental coercion/torture what Amnesty International is to physical torture".

Execution

FACTNet uses its website as a hub for discussion and communication, facilitating connections between cult victims, former cult members, and professional counselors. FACTNet is often used to refer specifically to the extensive forums and discussion boards found there. The organization also uses the internet to distribute materials on mind control and destructive cults electronically, and to educate people on the recognition and prevention of harmful mind control. The main page features timely news posts highlighting cults and anti-cult activity in the news and media.

In the news

In 1995 FACTNet was featured in the news due to a lawsuit regarding the seizure of FACTNet servers and files by the Religious Technology Center (RTC), a sub-organization of the Church of Scientology created to oversee the protection of its trademarks and copyrights. In August 1995 RTC lawyers went to a Denver judge alleging copyright infringement and illegal use of scientology documents by FACTNet, a vocal critic of the religion's practices. It was later revealed that the lawyers failed to inform the judge that FACTNet was a non-profit electronic library and archive. Possibly due to this omission, the judge was convinced to grant a search and seizure order for all of FACTNet's electronic resources.

A raid of two directors' homes was conducted on August 21, 1995 by two U.S. marshals and six RTC representatives, with the actual search for incriminating documents conducted by the RTC alone.[2] Witnesses of the searches testified that the marshals allowed the RTC representatives to go far beyond the scope of the order in their search for information. The marshals also failed to search the representatives before or after the search, making it possible for them to carry off disks and other documents containing critical information. FACTNet immediately accused the Church of Scientology of attempting to silence their voice by stealing and contaminating information vital to their continued attacks and lawsuits against the Church.[3][4]

FACTNet filed a lawsuit, and on September 14, 1995 a Federal judge ruled the seizure illegal because it violated FACTNet's right to free speech on the internet, and ordered the RTC to return all computers and files that were seized.[3] Nevertheless, FACTNet claimed to have incurred irreparable damage, as the secrecy of its documents had been violated by the RTC.

In a series of cases, Scientology (through subsidiary Bridge Publications) sued FACTNet for claimed copyright violations. In 1998, when federal judge John Kane denied Scientology's request for summary judgment because FACTNet challenged Scientology's ownership of the copyrights of the documents[5][6], a settlement was reached in 1999. The terms were that if FACTNet is ever found guilty of violations of church copyrights, they are permanently enjoined to pay the church $1 million.[7]

FACTNet has maintained a relatively low news profile since 1999, occasionally cited for speaking out against topics they consider important. The 2000 film Battlefield Earth starring John Travolta stirred up controversy because it was based on a book by L. R. Hubbard, the founder of the Church of Scientology, and Travolta was a well-known church member.[8] Even more recently, FACTNet spoke out in support of an episode of the TV show South Park that satirized scientology and motivated the resignation of South Park voice-actor Isaac Hayes, an outspoken scientologist.

References

  1. ^ Garcia, Wayne (1994-08-03). "Network gives voice to former Scientologists". St. Petersburg Times. Retrieved 2007-08-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  2. ^ "Church of Scientology protects secrets on the Internet". CNN. 1995-08-26. Retrieved 2007-08-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. ^ a b Wendy M. Grossman (December 1995). "alt.scientology.war". Wired magazine 3.12. Wired. Retrieved 2007-08-03. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. ^ Grossman, Wendy. "Copyright Terrorists". Net. Wars. New York: New York University Press. pp. 8, 9. ISBN 0-8147-3103-1. Retrieved 2007-08-03. {{cite book}}: External link in |chapterurl= (help); Unknown parameter |chapterurl= ignored (|chapter-url= suggested) (help); Unknown parameter |origmonth= ignored (help)
  5. ^ Borland, John (1998-11-09). "Scientology loses copyright round". CNET. Retrieved 2007-08-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  6. ^ "Scientologists lose a round in copyright fight". Salon.com. 1998-11-10. Retrieved 2007-08-06. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  7. ^ Macavinta, Courtney (1999-03-30). "Scientologists settle legal battle". CNET. Retrieved 2007-08-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. ^ Campbell, Duncan (2000-05-31). "Cult classic". Guardian Unlimited. Retrieved 2007-08-04. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

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