FC: Canada reportedly grants "refugee" status to Scientology critic

[Declan McCullagh <declan () well com>]

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From: xenu () blazenet net
Message-Id: <200106082051.QAA03261 () regulus blazenet net>
Date: 8 Jun 2001 20:31:34 -0000
Subject: [henson] FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Henson free

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

===

Today in Toronto, California free speech activist Keith
Kenson won a stunning victory in the first stage of his
application for refugee status in Canada.

Henson, an American, fled the US fearing fears 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.

Henson was represented by the law firm of Mamman and
Associates. Decision about that status might take
up to two years.

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: elrond1 () home com
Url: http://www.operatingthetan.com or
http://freehenson.da.ru
Telephone: 905-844-6216
2237 Mund's Ave
Oakville, ON  L6H 3M9
Canada

Henson's counsel
Mr. Guidy Mamann
of Mamann & Associates.
http://www.migrationlaw.com
Email: gman () migrationlaw com
(416) 862-0000
74 Victoria Street, Suite 303
Toronto, Canada M5C 2A5


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