When leaders of religious minorities are accused of sexual crimes, media narratives can quickly mark the entire collective as either accomplices or victims.
Anti-Cult
France TV’s “Scientology, the Empire of Secrecy” (2026). 2. Mocking Belief and Silencing Believers
The public French broadcaster treated theology as a subject of ridicule and excluded Scientologists and independent experts from its show.
France TV’s “Scientology, the Empire of Secrecy” (2026). 1. Apostates and Media Rituals
A study of a one-sided documentary that gave voice only to angry ex-members and anti-cultists—a trend that repeats itself when the media deals with “cults.”
Scientology Behind the Climb? Anti-Cult Narratives, and the Nardi Case
An Italian mountaineer who was a Scientologist died in 2019 in the Himalayas. Apostate ex-members and the media manipulated the incident to blame the “cult.”
Not-So-Strange Bedfellows: The Southern Poverty Law Center and the Anti-Cult Movement
Is the SPLC federal indictment a reckoning for the anti-cult “experts” network?
Document: Expert Opinion on the Case of Konstantin Rudnev
As the media suggests that Russia may seek his extradition, Argentinian courts should be reminded that dissidents cannot expect a fair trial by Russian courts.
Misinterpreting Court Decisions: The Madrid Ruling Against the Jehovah’s Witnesses
Media and anti-cultists misinterpret a (wrong) decision as a judicial condemnation of the religion rather than a free-speech case.
China Uses “Buddhist Friendship” in Seoul to Advance Its Religious Policy Agenda
A CCP-controlled delegation promotes Beijing’s line while regional partners intensify pressure on the Unification Church, Shincheonji, and other groups labeled as “cults.”
South Africa: New Dangerous Moves Toward Regulating Religion
CRL leaders and activists openly call for legislation inspired by international anti-cult ideology
“Brainwashing,” Steven Hassan, and the OneTaste Case. 2. The Prosecution of Nicole Daedone
The anti-cult movement needed a “legal precedent” to reintroduce the discredited idea that “cults” use “mental manipulation.”