The organization stands accused of targeting vulnerable people for commercial gain. Scientology does not have the status of a religion there, as it does in the US, and anti-cult groups have pursued it vigorously over more than 30 years.

The current case is based on complaints filed by two women in December 1998 and July 1999.

Three other former members who had initially joined the complaint have withdrawn after “reaching a financial arrangement with church officials.”

If convicted, the seven top Scientologists in France face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of €1M. The Church of Scientology-Celebrity Centre and its Scientology Freedom Space bookshop not only face a much larger fine but also run the risk of being shut down completely.