Scientology leader David Miscavige this week filed a long-expected appeal in an attempt to avoid being deposed in Texas in a harassment case filed against him and the church in Comal County.
The lengthy pleading asks the Third Court of Appeals in Austin to cancel the deposition ordered by trial judge Dib Waldrip, claiming his court has no jurisdiction over Miscavige.
The appeal cites numerous grounds, including Miscavige's stature as the ecclesiastical leader of a major religion, his California residency and his alleged lack of involvement in the underlying case.
The suit was filed last year by Monique Rathbun, wife of church dissident Marty Rathbun, who claims she was subjected to a four-year campaign of dirty tricks, surveillance and harassment overseen by Miscavige.