Today in Toronto, California free speech activist
Keith Henson won  a stunning victory in the first stage
of his application for refugee status in Canada.

	Henson, an American, fled the US under fears that
he would be persecuted in prison after being convicted
for his public criticism of the "Church" of Scientology.
He was convicted under an obscure clause of the California
law that forbids 'interfering with a religion'.

  	"I'm just glad to be out and in Canada," says Henson,
from  the home of his sponsor, Toronto consumer advocate
Gregg Hagglund.
  	Henson was detained for more than a week after failing
to appear as scheduled in a California Court. His release was
obtained thru the efforts of Mamann and Associates.

	For the present, Henson will remain in Toronto. He says
he's not going to stop fighting what he sees as injustices
perpetrated by the "Church".
  	" I wish I had been permitted to continue to draw
attention to Scientology's callous disregard for human lives,"
says Henson.  He adds," I have hopes of fairer treatment in
Canada since Scientology is a criminally convicted corporation
here because of its Breaches of the Public Trust."
	Henson is also confident the unceasing harassment he
and his family have suffered at the hands of the "Church"
in the United States will be reduced here in Canada. "Canada has
  more stringent Criminal Harassment laws, " says Henson.
	The Ontario Court of Appeals ruled in 1997  crimes
by members of  Scientology committed for the benefit of
the "Church" were recognized as crimes of  Scientology itself.

	For more information, please contact
Wm. G. Hagglund, Press Secretary, Temple of At'L'An Refugee
Committee at 905 844 6216.
	Donations to the Keith Henson Defense Fund may be made
via Pay Pal and paid to the account: atlan@home.com