Greece orders cult's founder, followers away

March 19, 1969

CORFU, Greece - (Reuters) - Lafayette Ron Hubbard, American founder of the Scientology cult, and 200 of his followers aboard a ship docked off this Ionian island received Greek government orders last night to leave the island.

Hubbard, who started the movement which is considered psychotherapy with religious overtones, claimed his ship is unseaworthy. A Corfu spokesman said "the ship requires some minor repairs which can be done within a few hours."

The controversial movement has been banned in several countries. Most of those on the ship are U.S. citizens but the group includes Britons Australians and New Zealanders.