Germany’s Office for the Protection of the Constitution as an Instrument for Character Assassination

Having no basis in fact, the “surveillance” has simply become harassment. It wastes taxpayer money, creates an atmosphere of witchhunting and has caused the government considerable embarrassment internationally. It has accomplished nothing. Is it not time for a rethink?

When challenged with these facts, the pro-surveillance lobby responds that more information about Scientology is still needed. This argument does not withstand scrutiny. As we mentioned earlier, the appropriate authorities have already conducted extensive investigations into Scientology and found that the Church operates in accordance with the law. There are also a wealth of studies by expert scholars about Scientology containing detailed information about its beliefs and practices. And, as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service finally realized, the Church is willing to answer detailed questions about its affairs if that will lead to a resolution of conflicts.

But even if the pro-surveillance clique's argument had some real basis, the OPC is not the organization for the task. Its actions in Switzerland and Berlin are no more than the tip of the iceberg, yet they prove that it is ill-equipped to deal with a religious organization. Further, it has always been a loose cannon. Politicians never know where its next scandal will explode – often, right where they are standing.