German party expels three for being Scientologists - 1996-12-19

Chancellor Helmut Kohl's governing Christian Democratic Union party expelled three members today because they belong to the Church of Scientology.
The German government claims Scientology is largely a money-making organization with some traits of organized crime. The U.S.-based church, which claims 30,000 members in Germany, accused German officials of persecution.
Wikipedia cite:
{{cite news | title = German party expels three for being Scientologists | url = http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19961219&slug=2365874 | work = Seattle Times | date = December 19, 1996 | accessdate = January 14, 2017 }}