Scientologists appeal French conviction

Paris, France - The Church of Scientology in France is appealing its 2009 organized fraud conviction, attorneys said.

The appeal, which opened Thursday in Paris, seeks dismissal of the conviction for allegedly manipulating others for financial gain, Radio France Internationale reported.

Prosecutors had alleged the church's bookshop and headquarters in Paris manipulated vulnerable people for profit. The 2009 legal case focused on a woman who said she spent her life savings of nearly $29,000 on Scientology products.

PARIS, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The Church of Scientology in France is appealing its 2009 organized fraud conviction, attorneys said.

The appeal, which opened Thursday in Paris, seeks dismissal of the conviction for allegedly manipulating others for financial gain, Radio France Internationale reported.

Prosecutors had alleged the church's bookshop and headquarters in Paris manipulated vulnerable people for profit. The 2009 legal case focused on a woman who said she spent her life savings of nearly $29,000 on Scientology products.