JW & Jan again!

OEystein Hokstad (oeystein@nvg.unit.no)
Wed, 27 Sep 1995 18:46:13 -0500



For those of you that know Jan, I thought this may be of interest. 

OEystein
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http://www.nvg.unit.no/~oeystein


Internet Censorship - Another Cult Takes Action - 21/9/95
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The habit of US cults to squash dissent on the internet
is spreading. Now it's the Jehovah's Witnesses, the religious
group which markets the literature of the multi-billion 
dollar Watchtower Corpation of New York.


In an uncanny parallel to other developments, the censorship
action itself has happened in Scandinavia - at the University
of Bergen, where a student has been active on the Internet,
countering sect recruiting, and broadcasting information (such
as WatchTower anti-Semitism in 1930s Germany) that cult members 
would rather keep covered up.


Jan Steinar Haugland, the gagged student, was a cult member until
earlier this year, when he was excommunicated - with consequent
shunning by friends and family - over an arcane doctrine (that 
some people alive in the year 1914 would also see the battle of
Armageddon) which, ironically, has this month been abandoned.


Unfortunately for Mr Haugland, the System Manager at the University 
of Bergen responsible for Internet access, is a loyal cult member, 
and with just 3 hours notice, unilaterally closed the Apostate's 
account, denying Mr Haugland all access to the Internet.


If you care about net censorship, about freedom of speech, and about
private individuals being silenced by power groups, then please make
your voice heard NOW, before the rollercoaster of censorship picks
up speed - it could be you and your freedoms next.


The Postmaster directly responsible for closing this account is:-

        Hans Morten Kind        <Kind@edb.uib.no>

However, please note that Mr Kind is only acting on orders from
above, and is not personally responsible for the decision to 
silence Mr Haugland. That man is:-

        Kenneth Hostland        <hostland@edb.uib.no>


Polite, but firm, expressions of concern are invited.


September 21st, 1995
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This Press Release Is A Public Service By TowerWatch