Posted by denised in 
Former senior official of the Church of Scientology, Marty Rathbun, says that while serving in the church, he was pressured by his boss to beat members. Rathbun, who reported directly to church leader David Miscavige claims that violence was often used as a means of discipline and intimidation. Rathbun, who after 27 years with the church broke ties in 2004, says Miscavige frequently kicked, punched and choked members of the church’s international leadership team, and pressured him to do it as well.
The church for its part, although acknowledging incidences of physical violence in the past, denies the incidences occurred at the hands of Miscavige and says that Rathbun was the one responsible. It also says that Rathbun was stripped of his authority in 2001 when Miscavige learned of the problem. Officials say they offered Rathbun counseling, but he refused and left the church three years later. It was only after that, they claim, that Rathbun began to make his accusations. Church leaders and members, including the ex-wives of some of the accusers, have shown their support in affidavits, emails and interviews.
Visit Anderson Cooper’s blog, AC360 on CNN.com for the full story.
