French appeals court upholds 2009 fraud conviction for country's Church of Scientology branch

Wednesday 16 October 2013 18:08 BST

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The highest appeals court has upheld the 2009 fraud conviction of the Church of Scientology’s French branch, its bookstore and five of its leaders.

Scientologists were accused of pressuring members into paying large sums for questionable services. The group claimed the conviction and €600,000 fine infringed its right to religious freedom.

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French appeals court upholds 2009 fraud conviction for country's Church of Scientology branch

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