Flag Building It includes a 15-story tower topped by a bronze Scientology cross visible from much of Clearwater. Construction began in 1998, was halted in 2003, and was ultimately resumed to reach substantial completion during 2011. The long delay in construction led to substantial fines being levied by the city authorities. The building is valued at $80 million and at least $145 million has been raised by Church fundraising towards the project. The church denies accusations that the Flag Building's completion was deliberately delayed so that it could serve as a cash cow. The Church of Scientology announced in August 2013 that
Scientology in Belgium simply associating with Scientology is an “egregious violation of defendants’ rights.” Charges included fraud, extortion, running a criminal enterprise, violating privacy and the illegal practice of medicine. The charges were found “contrary and contradictory” and lacked evidence. The church declared in the document that the acquittal was a “landmark decision protecting religious freedom and freedom of conscience.” Scientology in Belgium Scientology has operated in Belgium since 1972, but the organization has encountered difficulties there in recent years. Belgium only officially recognizes six religions: Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, Anglicanism, the Orthodox Church, Judaism and Islam (recently also Buddhism) and has denied Scientology's