Scientology, Berlin demonstration, 27 October, 1997

This was an important demonstration for scientology. Preparations were started six months in advance. The opening PR by scientology promised an attendance of 30,000. At one point in early October the propaganda line was "30,000 will show up, 6,500 already confirmed." As the reports show the actual number in attendance was far short of 30,000. As you read the reports supplied, please remember that the figures given *include* other cults in attendance. The Raelians, as an example, supplied 500 people. Reporters accounted for about 100 people. The popular opinion on the newsgroup alt.religion.scientology at the time was that less than 1,000 actual scientologists attended the demonstration. Reports from scientologists in attendance had a range of 3,000-12,600 scientologists in attendance.
This important demonstration, this major demonstration, was a failure for the cult.