Scientology Complains Victims Bailed After 15 Days of Arbitration in Labor-Trafficking Case

After 15 days of forced 'religious arbitration,' victims in a Scientology labor-trafficking case have stopped attending, prompting the church to complain to the court.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:00pm

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An extreme close-up of a crumpled Scientology document or legal file, the harsh flash illuminating the textured paper and creating dramatic shadows, conceptually representing the secretive and coercive nature of the church's arbitration system.The forced 'religious arbitration' process used by Scientology to avoid public trials has come under renewed scrutiny as victims refuse to continue participating.Clearwater Today

More details have emerged about the 'religious arbitration' that Scientology labor-trafficking victims were forced into by a Tampa federal court. After 15 days of arbitration, the victims simply stopped showing up, and are now asking the court to intervene. The church has complained to the court about the victims' absence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the controversial practice of 'religious arbitration' that Scientology uses to avoid public trials and keep abuse allegations out of the courts. The victims' refusal to continue the arbitration process raises questions about the fairness and legitimacy of this system, which critics say is designed to protect the church rather than provide justice for victims.

The details

According to court documents, Scientology victims Valeska Paris and others were forced into a 15-day 'religious arbitration' process by the Tampa federal court overseeing a labor-trafficking lawsuit against the church. After 15 days of this arbitration, the victims simply stopped attending, prompting Scientology attorney Charles M. Harris Jr. to complain to the court about their absence.

  • The 15-day 'religious arbitration' process took place in recent weeks.
  • The victims stopped attending the arbitration after 15 days.

The players

Valeska Paris

A Scientology victim who was forced into the 'religious arbitration' process.

Charles M. Harris Jr.

A Scientology attorney who complained to the court about the victims' absence from the arbitration.

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What they’re saying

“Wow! More detail has now emerged about the 'religious arbitration' that Scientology labor-trafficking victims were forced into by a Tampa federal court. After 15 days, the victims simply stopped showing up, and are now asking the court to intervene.”

— Tony Ortega, Journalist

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on how to proceed now that the victims have stopped attending the forced arbitration process.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing concerns about Scientology's use of 'religious arbitration' to avoid public trials and accountability for alleged abuses. The victims' refusal to continue the arbitration raises questions about the fairness and legitimacy of this system, which critics say is designed to protect the church rather than provide justice.