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The world in brief
Compiled from Times wires Spanish court acquits leader of ScientologyMADRID -- A Spanish court has acquitted the American leader of the Church of Scientology of conspiracy and other charges. In December the Madrid Provincial Court acquitted 15 members and employees of the Spanish branch of Scientology who had been charged along with the church leader, the Rev. Heber Jentzsch. When Jentzsch, 67, who lives in Los Angeles, did not appear for trial, the court decided to try him separately. On March 22, the prosecutor sent the court notice that, in light of the 15 acquittals, the original indictment "now lacks content." The prosecutor recommended the court only shelve the case, allowing the possibility it could be reopened at some point. However, on Thursday the court announced that the best way to end the case was to acquit Jentzsch. The court said in December there was no evidence to support prosecutors' allegations that drug rehabilitation and other programs sponsored by the Church of Scientology in Spain amounted to illicit gatherings aimed at activities such as bilking people of money. Elsewhere ...COLOMBIAN REBELS HUNTED: Government troops pursued rebel kidnappers through the mountains outside Cali, Colombia, on Friday, a day after guerrillas stormed the provincial Parliament and abducted 12 lawmakers. Two soldiers were killed in clashes with the rebels. Officials pledged no letup in the pursuit of the kidnappers.
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From the Times wire desk
From the AP |
