thad wrote: > http://www.globeandmail.com/gam/Toronto/20010529/UARESM.html
Well, to me, this paints a really bad picture of Keith . . . wouldn't you say? Police arrest U.S. fugitive ANDREW MITROVICA Tuesday, May 29, 2001 A fugitive wanted in the United States for committing a hate crime involving the controversial Church of Scientology was arrested at gun point yesterday by at a busy shopping mall outside Toronto. Keith Henson, 63, was arrested by a Halton Regional Police tactical team as he and a friend were sitting in a car at the Oakville Place mall parking lot. Mr. Henson arrived in Canada on May 12 after being convicted this month of "interfering with a religion" for picketing outside the Church of Scientology's compound in Hemet, Calif. Under California law, the offence, which can carry a penalty of up to five years in prison, is considered a misdemeanour hate crime. His sentencing was postponed because he failed to appear in court. According to friends, Mr. Henson, an American citizen, plans to seek refugee status in Canada because he fears retribution from Church of Scientology members if he returns to the United States. The church, which boasts many celebrity followers, including film stars John Travolta and Tom Cruise, has often been mired in controversy. It was recently condemned by a French government report. Gregg Haggland, a self described artist and writer, was arrested along with Mr. Henson. He was not charged. In a curious twist, a Web site has already sprouted up to raise money for Mr. Henson's legal defence. Mr. Henson is scheduled to appear in court in Toronto this morning for a bail hearing.