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35. I have examined certain documents regarding Steven Fishman's
experience with Scientology, have had conversations with Mr.
Fishman's counsel, in his criminal prosecution and I have
reviewed the 1151-page autobiographical account of Mr. Fishman's
Scientology experience entitled "The Lonesome Squirrel." Based on
my years experience in Scientology and my review of the Fishman
materials, I offer the following opinions and conclusions.
A. I believe Mr. Fishman's assertions that he was a member since
1979 and that he was actively involved as he states.This belief
is based on my experience that only a committed member of long
standing would know the details of the inner workings of the
group; Mr- Fishman has such knowledge. Awareness of certain
confidential projects could be achieved only by a member who was
trusted by the hierarchy; Mr. Fishman had such awareness.
Involvement in a group that thrives on secrecy and excludes most
members from participation in high level projects means that any
member who exceeds a certain level of involvement enjoys the
trust of the leadership such trust would be earned only by
extended membership. Mr. Fishman apparently enjoyed that trust.
His accounts of meetings with high level officials and his
knowledge of the operations and functions of the hierarchy are so
detailed and accurate that they couldn't have been gained except
through direct personal experience.
B. Refutation by Scientology officials of Mr. Fishman's
membership prior to February 8, 1986 and their disclaimer of his
involvement and their lack of any records pertaining to such
membership is perfectly consistent with their standard procedure
in protecting themselves. As noted above, I was personally
involved in the destruction of records when it suited their
purpose. Scientology propounds the belief that any action
whatever taken to protect the organization is justified, as the
group takes precedence over the individual. Any member performing
criminal acts for the benefit of the group was kept at arm's
length; if apprehended, the member was disavowed by Scientology.
This procedure was used even on the wife of the founder of
Scientology. Given the serious potential threat that Mr.
Fishman's defense posed to the group, I find Mr. Fishman's
account of certain members of Scientology's involvement in the
plan to fabricate the threats against Mr. Fishman and his counsel
and to thereby undermine Mr. Fishman's credibility and render him
useless as a witness against Scientology is consistent with their
modus operandi.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the United
States of America that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed this 7th day of March, 1994 at Dallas, Tx.