Death of Kaja Ballo: Difference between revisions
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==Scientology personality test== |
==Scientology personality test== |
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Kaja Ballo took a personality test given by the Church of Scientology in Nice, France on March 28, 2008.<ref name="upi" /><ref name="lotseg" /> The test is known either as the Scientology personality test, or as [[Oxford Capacity Analysis]].<ref>At the time she took the test, Ballo was a student at [[university]] in France.{{cite news | script-title=ar:صحيفة العرب القطرية // - - - فكر إسلام | work =Al-Arab Daily Newspaper|location=[[Qatar]] | language =Arabic | publisher = www.alarab.com.qa | date = May 10, 2008 | url = http://www.alarab.com.qa/details.php?docId=12349&issueNo=141&secId=23 | accessdate = 2010-06-02}}</ref> The testing location was situated close to her residential area in student housing, in a nearby storefront shopping facility.<ref name="berglund">{{cite news| last = Berglund | first = Nina | title = Police probe suicide linked to Scientologists | work = Aftenposten | publisher=www.aftenposten.no|location=[[Oslo, Norway]] | date =April 16, 2008 | url = http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2371180.ece | accessdate =2010-05-27 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100506140937/http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2371180.ece <!--Added by H3llBot--> | archivedate = 2010-05-06 }}</ref> It was located only a few meters from her dormitory.<ref>{{cite news | title = Tok sitt liv etter test hos scientologer | work =Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no | date = April 20, 2009 | url =http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=505907 | accessdate =2010-05-27 }}</ref> According to representatives for Scientology, Ballo spent a total of one hour at the facility.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologie: suicide d'une étudiante norvégienne | work = Excite France | language =French | publisher = expresse.excite.fr | date =April 17, 2008 | url = http://expresse.excite.fr/news/495/Scientologie-suicide-dune-etudiante-norvegienne | accessdate = 2010-05-28}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> She received a negative result from the test.<ref name="upi" /> It indicated that some of her responses were situated on what is referred to in Scientology as "an unacceptable level".<ref>{{cite news | title = VG Netts journalister tok scientologi-test | work = Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no | date =April 22, 2009 | url =http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=571731 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> The test consists of 200 questions.<ref name="lotseg">{{cite news | title = Lot seg teste av Scientologene |last=Dølo|first=Torjus |work =Klikk.no | language =Norwegian | publisher =www.klikk.no | date =September 30, 2008 | url = http://www.klikk.no/helse/article336960.ece | accessdate =2010-06-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| last =Stamm | first = Hugo | title = Scientology-Zentrum nach Razzia versiegelt | work = Tages-Anzeiger Online | language = German | publisher =sc.tagesanzeiger.ch | date =April 17, 2008 | url = http://sc.tagesanzeiger.ch/dyn/news/ausland/862381.html| accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref> Ballo missed 100 points on the test, and this was seen as "unstable".<ref>{{cite news | title =SV-topp ut mot Scientologikirken | work = Halden Dagblad.no | publisher = www.haldendagblad.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.haldendagblad.no/innenriks/article3474832.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The Scientology test stated she had a "very limited" [[IQ]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Jovem se mata depois de receber teste cientológico | work =Terra Brasil | language =Portuguese | publisher = noticias.terra.com.br | date = September 13, 2008 | url =http://noticias.terra.com.br/mundo/interna/0,,OI3179154-EI8142,00.html | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref> |
Kaja Ballo took a personality test given by the Church of Scientology in Nice, France on March 28, 2008.<ref name="upi" /><ref name="lotseg" /> The test is known either as the Scientology personality test, or as [[Oxford Capacity Analysis]].<ref>At the time she took the test, Ballo was a student at [[university]] in France.{{cite news | script-title = ar:صحيفة العرب القطرية // - - - فكر إسلام | work = Al-Arab Daily Newspaper | location = [[Qatar]] | language = Arabic | publisher = www.alarab.com.qa | date = May 10, 2008 | url = http://www.alarab.com.qa/details.php?docId=12349&issueNo=141&secId=23 | accessdate = 2010-06-02 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110903151454/http://www.alarab.com.qa/details.php?docId=12349&issueNo=141&secId=23 | archivedate = September 3, 2011 | df = }}</ref> The testing location was situated close to her residential area in student housing, in a nearby storefront shopping facility.<ref name="berglund">{{cite news| last = Berglund | first = Nina | title = Police probe suicide linked to Scientologists | work = Aftenposten | publisher=www.aftenposten.no|location=[[Oslo, Norway]] | date =April 16, 2008 | url = http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2371180.ece | accessdate =2010-05-27 | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100506140937/http://www.aftenposten.no/english/local/article2371180.ece <!--Added by H3llBot--> | archivedate = 2010-05-06 }}</ref> It was located only a few meters from her dormitory.<ref>{{cite news | title = Tok sitt liv etter test hos scientologer | work = Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no | date = April 20, 2009 | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=505907 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121013024648/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=505907 | archivedate = October 13, 2012 | df = }}</ref> According to representatives for Scientology, Ballo spent a total of one hour at the facility.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologie: suicide d'une étudiante norvégienne | work = Excite France | language =French | publisher = expresse.excite.fr | date =April 17, 2008 | url = http://expresse.excite.fr/news/495/Scientologie-suicide-dune-etudiante-norvegienne | accessdate = 2010-05-28}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> She received a negative result from the test.<ref name="upi" /> It indicated that some of her responses were situated on what is referred to in Scientology as "an unacceptable level".<ref>{{cite news | title = VG Netts journalister tok scientologi-test | work = Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no | date = April 22, 2009 | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=571731 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121013024913/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=571731 | archivedate = October 13, 2012 | df = }}</ref> The test consists of 200 questions.<ref name="lotseg">{{cite news | title = Lot seg teste av Scientologene |last=Dølo|first=Torjus |work =Klikk.no | language =Norwegian | publisher =www.klikk.no | date =September 30, 2008 | url = http://www.klikk.no/helse/article336960.ece | accessdate =2010-06-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Stamm | first = Hugo | title = Scientology-Zentrum nach Razzia versiegelt | work = Tages-Anzeiger Online | language = German | publisher = sc.tagesanzeiger.ch | date = April 17, 2008 | url = http://sc.tagesanzeiger.ch/dyn/news/ausland/862381.html | accessdate = 2010-06-02 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100723175255/http://sc.tagesanzeiger.ch/dyn/news/ausland/862381.html | archivedate = July 23, 2010 | df = }}</ref> Ballo missed 100 points on the test, and this was seen as "unstable".<ref>{{cite news | title =SV-topp ut mot Scientologikirken | work = Halden Dagblad.no | publisher = www.haldendagblad.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.haldendagblad.no/innenriks/article3474832.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27}} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The Scientology test stated she had a "very limited" [[IQ]].<ref>{{cite news | title = Jovem se mata depois de receber teste cientológico | work =Terra Brasil | language =Portuguese | publisher = noticias.terra.com.br | date = September 13, 2008 | url =http://noticias.terra.com.br/mundo/interna/0,,OI3179154-EI8142,00.html | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref> |
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Ballo's friends and family members said that her mood "changed" after receiving the results.<ref name="upi" /> Family said she had not indicated any problems prior to taking the test.<ref>{{cite news | title = En tragisk tankevekker | work =Nye Troms | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.nye-troms.no | date = April 17, 2008 | url = http://www.nye-troms.no/nyhet.cfm?nyhetid=3777| accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> Ballo's uncle Heljar Ballo stated on a program on public broadcaster [[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation|NRK]] that the results of the Scientology personality test were "devastating" to her.<ref name="berglund" /> He served as a spokesperson for the family during an intense period of their grief.<ref>{{cite news | title =Scientologikirken tiltalt for bedrageri | work =Nettavisen | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.nettavisen.no | date = September 9, 2008 | url =http://www.nettavisen.no/utenriks/article2201405.ece | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> He described her as "happy and bubbly", prior to taking the Scientology test.<ref>{{cite news | title = Hun var glad og sprudlende | work = [[NRK]] | language = Norwegian | publisher =www.nrk.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/1.5394702 | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> Heljar Ballo stated, "We can only relate the facts, that she was doing well in France, was happy and had many good friends, and that she took this test."<ref name="berglund" /> |
Ballo's friends and family members said that her mood "changed" after receiving the results.<ref name="upi" /> Family said she had not indicated any problems prior to taking the test.<ref>{{cite news | title = En tragisk tankevekker | work =Nye Troms | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.nye-troms.no | date = April 17, 2008 | url = http://www.nye-troms.no/nyhet.cfm?nyhetid=3777| accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> Ballo's uncle Heljar Ballo stated on a program on public broadcaster [[Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation|NRK]] that the results of the Scientology personality test were "devastating" to her.<ref name="berglund" /> He served as a spokesperson for the family during an intense period of their grief.<ref>{{cite news | title =Scientologikirken tiltalt for bedrageri | work =Nettavisen | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.nettavisen.no | date = September 9, 2008 | url =http://www.nettavisen.no/utenriks/article2201405.ece | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> He described her as "happy and bubbly", prior to taking the Scientology test.<ref>{{cite news | title = Hun var glad og sprudlende | work = [[NRK]] | language = Norwegian | publisher =www.nrk.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/1.5394702 | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> Heljar Ballo stated, "We can only relate the facts, that she was doing well in France, was happy and had many good friends, and that she took this test."<ref name="berglund" /> |
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==Death== |
==Death== |
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Ballo committed suicide, hours after hearing the results of the personality test conducted by Scientology.<ref name="upi" /> She jumped from the fourth floor of her dorm room in Nice, France, two hours after getting the results of the test.<ref>{{cite news | title = SV-topp ut mot Scientologikirken | work = Tvedestrandsposten | publisher = www.tvedestrandsposten.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.tvedestrandsposten.no/Innenriks/article3474832.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> She left behind a note, along with the results of the Scientology personality test.<ref name="berglund" /> The results of the personality test were found among her belongings by her family.<ref>{{cite news| last = Hjort| first = Marte Fougner | title =Kaja Ballo tok livet sitt etter Scientolog-test | work = P4 Radio Hele Norge ASA| publisher = www.p4.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.p4.no/story.aspx?id=268824 | accessdate = 2010-05-27}}</ref> In April 2008, ''Aftenposten'' noted that the [[French police]] were investigating connections between Scientology and Ballo's death.<ref name="berglund" /> The investigation was being headed by a judge in France.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologer avhørt i Frankrike| work = Halden Dagblad.no | publisher =www.haldendagblad.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.haldendagblad.no/innenriks/article3475841.ece | accessdate =2010-05-27 }} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> In April 2008 the French police interviewed two leaders of Scientology in France.<ref>{{cite news | title = En Bref - Sectes | work =[[Le Parisien]] | language =French | publisher = www.leparisien.fr | date =April 19, 2008 | url = http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/en-bref-19-04-2008-3298448468.php | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title =Suicide d'une étudiante: deux scientologues entendus | work = |
Ballo committed suicide, hours after hearing the results of the personality test conducted by Scientology.<ref name="upi" /> She jumped from the fourth floor of her dorm room in Nice, France, two hours after getting the results of the test.<ref>{{cite news | title = SV-topp ut mot Scientologikirken | work = Tvedestrandsposten | publisher = www.tvedestrandsposten.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.tvedestrandsposten.no/Innenriks/article3474832.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> She left behind a note, along with the results of the Scientology personality test.<ref name="berglund" /> The results of the personality test were found among her belongings by her family.<ref>{{cite news| last = Hjort| first = Marte Fougner | title =Kaja Ballo tok livet sitt etter Scientolog-test | work = P4 Radio Hele Norge ASA| publisher = www.p4.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.p4.no/story.aspx?id=268824 | accessdate = 2010-05-27}}</ref> In April 2008, ''Aftenposten'' noted that the [[French police]] were investigating connections between Scientology and Ballo's death.<ref name="berglund" /> The investigation was being headed by a judge in France.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologer avhørt i Frankrike| work = Halden Dagblad.no | publisher =www.haldendagblad.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.haldendagblad.no/innenriks/article3475841.ece | accessdate =2010-05-27 }} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> In April 2008 the French police interviewed two leaders of Scientology in France.<ref>{{cite news | title = En Bref - Sectes | work =[[Le Parisien]] | language =French | publisher = www.leparisien.fr | date =April 19, 2008 | url = http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/en-bref-19-04-2008-3298448468.php | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title =Suicide d'une étudiante: deux scientologues entendus | work =TF1 | language =French | publisher =lci.tf1.fr | date =April 18, 2008 | url =http://lci.tf1.fr/france/faits-divers/2008-04/suicide-etudiante-deux-scientologues-entendus-4864733.html | accessdate =2010-05-27 | deadurl =yes | archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20101030105456/http://lci.tf1.fr/france/faits-divers/2008-04/suicide-etudiante-deux-scientologues-entendus-4864733.html | archivedate =October 30, 2010 | df = }}</ref> Prosecutor Eric de Montgolfier opened an investigation into the incident in France, in April 2008.<ref>{{cite news | title = Alpes Maritimes - Kaja, 20 ans, se suicide à Nice : la scientologie mise en cause | work = Maville.com | language =French | publisher = www.nice.maville.com | date = April 17, 2008| url = http://www.nice.maville.com/actu/actudet_--Alpes-Maritimes-Kaja-20-ans-se-suicide-a-Nice-la-scientologie-mise-en-cause-_dep-617079_actu.Htm | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> A French investigating prosecutor told ''Dagbladet'', "We are almost convinced that it is a suicide. But the question is whether something encouraged her to this."<ref>{{cite news | last=Gjerstad|first=Tore et. al|title = Gå nå og slett bildene dere tok. Ellers så ringer vi politiet| work = Dagbladet | language = Norwegian| publisher =www.dagbladet.no | date = April 16, 2008 | url =http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/16/532680.html | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref> Prosecutors stated in December 2008 that they could not determine a direct link between the Scientology personality test and Ballo's death.<ref>{{cite news| title = Pas de lien entre la Scientologie et le suicide d'une étudiante | work = Nouvelobs.com | language =French | publisher = tempsreel.nouvelobs.com | date = December 29, 2008 | url = http://tempsreel.nouvelobs.com/actualite/societe/20081229.OBS7583/pas-de-lien-entre-la-scientologie-et-le-suicide-d-une-etudiante.html| accessdate = 2010-05-28 }}</ref> |
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{{wikinews|Family blames Scientology for daughter's death}} |
{{wikinews|Family blames Scientology for daughter's death}} |
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Agnes Bron, a Scientology representative in France, denied that the test was related to Ballo's death, and asserted that the Scientology personality test was not created by the Church of Scientology.<ref>{{cite news | title = Deux scientologues auditionnés après le suicide d'une étudiante | work = Le Point | publisher = www.lepoint.fr | date = April 18, 2008| url =http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-societe/2008-04-18/deux-scientologues-auditionnes-apres-le-suicide-d-une-etudiante/920/0/239191 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 |language=French}}</ref> Scientologists pay [[royalties]] to the [[L. Ron Hubbard|Hubbard Foundation]] for use of the test.<ref>{{cite news | last=Granly Meldalen|first=Sindre|title =Jøss, det er jo den testen vi bruker | work = Dagbladet | language =Norwegian | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date =April 16, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/16/532717.html| accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> She said that Ballo never actually received the results of her personality test.<ref>{{cite news | title = L’église de scientologie interrogée après un suicide | work =TopChretien.com | publisher =topchretien.jesus.net | date = April 20, 2008| url =http://topchretien.jesus.net/topinfo/?/35290/ | accessdate =2010-05-27 |language=French }}</ref> A spokesperson for Scientology asserted to ''Verdens Gang'' that the results of the personality test are seen as neither positive nor negative, but rather allow the individual to gain insight into their own personality.<ref>{{cite news | title = SV-topp mistet datteren | work = Seher | publisher =www.seher.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.seher.no/520459/mistet-datter | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> A representative of [[Scientology in Norway]] described the concerns leveled against the organization as "deeply unfair".<ref name="upi" /> The Scientology official noted Ballo had a [[psychological]] history as a teenager, and said she had an [[eating disorder]].<ref name="upi" /> The Church of Scientology's Information Chief in Norway, Matthias Fosse, asserted that the Scientology personality test was not "dangerous", and stated that "millions" of individuals had partaken in the examination.<ref name="berglund" /> He asserted that approximately 10,000 residents of Norway had taken the test.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fange|first=Per Øyvind |title =En guffen opplevelse | work = Verdens Gang | publisher =www.vg.no | date =April 20, 2009 | url =http://www.vg.no/iphone/article.php?artid=514113 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> "I have never, never, never heard of someone who has killed on the basis of the OCA test," said Fosse.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologene avviser kritikk | work = Halden Dagblad.no | publisher = www.haldendagblad.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.haldendagblad.no/innenriks/article3476676.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Fosse said that Ballo had entered the Scientology premises in Nice of her own volition.<ref name="berglund" /> Fosse maintained that the negative views of the organization were based on ignorance and intolerance.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologene om Kaja Ballo | work = P4 Radio Hele Norge ASA | publisher =www.p4.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.p4.no/story.aspx?id=268893 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> "I feel deeply for the Ballo family, but it is a rude insinuation that the Church of Scientology has any responsibility for this incident," said Fosse.<ref>{{cite news | title = Livredde stjerner på ønskelista | work = Seher | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.seher.no | date = April 18, 2008 | url =http://www.seher.no/521406/dod-uten | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref> |
Agnes Bron, a Scientology representative in France, denied that the test was related to Ballo's death, and asserted that the Scientology personality test was not created by the Church of Scientology.<ref>{{cite news | title = Deux scientologues auditionnés après le suicide d'une étudiante | work = Le Point | publisher = www.lepoint.fr | date = April 18, 2008| url =http://www.lepoint.fr/actualites-societe/2008-04-18/deux-scientologues-auditionnes-apres-le-suicide-d-une-etudiante/920/0/239191 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 |language=French}}</ref> Scientologists pay [[royalties]] to the [[L. Ron Hubbard|Hubbard Foundation]] for use of the test.<ref>{{cite news | last=Granly Meldalen|first=Sindre|title =Jøss, det er jo den testen vi bruker | work = Dagbladet | language =Norwegian | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date =April 16, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/16/532717.html| accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> She said that Ballo never actually received the results of her personality test.<ref>{{cite news | title = L’église de scientologie interrogée après un suicide | work =TopChretien.com | publisher =topchretien.jesus.net | date = April 20, 2008| url =http://topchretien.jesus.net/topinfo/?/35290/ | accessdate =2010-05-27 |language=French }}</ref> A spokesperson for Scientology asserted to ''Verdens Gang'' that the results of the personality test are seen as neither positive nor negative, but rather allow the individual to gain insight into their own personality.<ref>{{cite news | title = SV-topp mistet datteren | work = Seher | publisher =www.seher.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.seher.no/520459/mistet-datter | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> A representative of [[Scientology in Norway]] described the concerns leveled against the organization as "deeply unfair".<ref name="upi" /> The Scientology official noted Ballo had a [[psychological]] history as a teenager, and said she had an [[eating disorder]].<ref name="upi" /> The Church of Scientology's Information Chief in Norway, Matthias Fosse, asserted that the Scientology personality test was not "dangerous", and stated that "millions" of individuals had partaken in the examination.<ref name="berglund" /> He asserted that approximately 10,000 residents of Norway had taken the test.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fange|first=Per Øyvind |title =En guffen opplevelse | work = Verdens Gang | publisher =www.vg.no | date =April 20, 2009 | url =http://www.vg.no/iphone/article.php?artid=514113 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> "I have never, never, never heard of someone who has killed on the basis of the OCA test," said Fosse.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologene avviser kritikk | work = Halden Dagblad.no | publisher = www.haldendagblad.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.haldendagblad.no/innenriks/article3476676.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Fosse said that Ballo had entered the Scientology premises in Nice of her own volition.<ref name="berglund" /> Fosse maintained that the negative views of the organization were based on ignorance and intolerance.<ref>{{cite news | title = Scientologene om Kaja Ballo | work = P4 Radio Hele Norge ASA | publisher =www.p4.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.p4.no/story.aspx?id=268893 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> "I feel deeply for the Ballo family, but it is a rude insinuation that the Church of Scientology has any responsibility for this incident," said Fosse.<ref>{{cite news | title = Livredde stjerner på ønskelista | work = Seher | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.seher.no | date = April 18, 2008 | url =http://www.seher.no/521406/dod-uten | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref> |
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Ballo's father was critical of the statements made by Fosse about his daughter's history.<ref name="berglund" /> He commented to ''Verdens Gang'' that the Church of Scientology was negatively impacting the reputation of his daughter and not respecting the privacy of her health history.<ref name="berglund" /> He did not wish to comment regarding the nature of the investigation in France.<ref>{{cite news | title =Tok sitt liv etter personlighetstest: SV-topp mistet datteren (20) | work =StavangerAvisen | language = |
Ballo's father was critical of the statements made by Fosse about his daughter's history.<ref name="berglund" /> He commented to ''Verdens Gang'' that the Church of Scientology was negatively impacting the reputation of his daughter and not respecting the privacy of her health history.<ref name="berglund" /> He did not wish to comment regarding the nature of the investigation in France.<ref>{{cite news | title =Tok sitt liv etter personlighetstest: SV-topp mistet datteren (20) | work =StavangerAvisen | language =Norwegian | publisher =www.stavangeravisen.com | date =April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.stavangeravisen.com/art.asp?id=40945 | accessdate =2010-05-28 | deadurl =yes | archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20110716133353/http://www.stavangeravisen.com/art.asp?id=40945 | archivedate =July 16, 2011 | df = }}</ref> Ballo's uncle Heljar Ballo explained that Kaja Ballo's family decided to come forward with information to the media about her suicide, due to a motivation to publicize information relating to the circumstances of her death.<ref name="berglund" /> Heljar Ballo told ''Aftenposten'' that the family "had confidence" in the investigation by local law enforcement in France.<ref name="berglund" /> He thought there was a connection between her death and Scientology.<ref>{{cite news | title = Det er helt uvirkelig | work = [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2 Norway]] | publisher =www.tv2nyhetene.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url =http://www.tv2nyhetene.no/innenriks/-det-er-helt-uvirkelig-1760904.html | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> Kaja Ballo's father retained an attorney to investigate his daughter's death.<ref name="berglund" /> In April 2008, Ballo's family was considering taking legal action against Scientology.<ref>{{cite news | title = Framsida Innanriks Scientologene taper sjelden i retten| work =Firda | language =Norwegian | publisher = www.firda.no | date =April 16, 2008 | url = http://www.firda.no/Innenriks/article3477616.ece | accessdate =2010-06-02 }}</ref> Kaja Ballo was interred on April 11, 2008 at Grefsen Church in Oslo, and approximately 500 people were present at the funeral ceremony.<ref name="berglund" /> |
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==Commentary== |
==Commentary== |
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[[File:Inga Marte Thorkildsen crop.jpg|thumb|Norway parliament member [[Inga Marte Thorkildsen]] (2008)]] |
[[File:Inga Marte Thorkildsen crop.jpg|thumb|Norway parliament member [[Inga Marte Thorkildsen]] (2008)]] |
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In reporting on Ballo's death, ''[[United Press International]]'' noted, "Critics say the break-you-down-build-you-up recruitment tool of Scientologists is controversial."<ref name="upi" /> The issue received a significant amount of coverage in Norway news publications;<ref>{{cite news|title=Dramatisk overtramp |work=[[Dagsavisen]] |language=Norwegian |publisher=www.dagsavisen.no |date=April 16, 2008 |url=http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article344067.ece |accessdate=2010-05-28 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420043720/http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article344067.ece |archivedate=April 20, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title =Scientolog-kirken anklages for tortur og tvungen abort | work = |
In reporting on Ballo's death, ''[[United Press International]]'' noted, "Critics say the break-you-down-build-you-up recruitment tool of Scientologists is controversial."<ref name="upi" /> The issue received a significant amount of coverage in Norway news publications;<ref>{{cite news|title=Dramatisk overtramp |work=[[Dagsavisen]] |language=Norwegian |publisher=www.dagsavisen.no |date=April 16, 2008 |url=http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article344067.ece |accessdate=2010-05-28 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080420043720/http://www.dagsavisen.no/innenriks/article344067.ece |archivedate=April 20, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title =Scientolog-kirken anklages for tortur og tvungen abort | work =Aftenposten | language =Norwegian | publisher =www.aftenposten.no | date =November 18, 2009 | url =http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article3380155.ece | accessdate =2010-05-28 | deadurl =yes | archiveurl =https://web.archive.org/web/20100126003022/http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/uriks/article3380155.ece | archivedate =January 26, 2010 | df = }}</ref> and media attention focused criticism on the Church of Scientology.<ref>{{cite news | title =Hjernevasket i 12 år | work = Østlendingen| language = Norwegian | publisher = www.ostlendingen.no | date = April 19, 2008| url = http://www.ostlendingen.no/nyheter/hjernevasket-i-12-ar-1.4595588 | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news| title = Mister barna til Scientologien | work = Side 2 | language = Norwegian | publisher = | page = | date =April 18, 2008 | url =http://www.side2.no/kjendis/article1771029.ece | accessdate =2010-06-02 }}</ref> Both ''Verdens Gang'' and ''[[Dagbladet]]'' devoted several cover stories investigating the matter.<ref>{{cite news | title =Skummel sekt brutalt behandlet | work = Journalisten | publisher = www.journalisten.no | date =April 18, 2008 | url = http://www.journalisten.no/node/17861| accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> News media received criticism regarding the amount of coverage given to the incident.<ref name="kritikk">{{cite news| title = Kritikk av selvmordsdekning| work =Halden Dagblad.no | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.haldendagblad.no | page = | date =April 16, 2008 | url =http://www.haldendagblad.no/innenriks/article3479028.ece | accessdate =2010-06-02 }} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title = Selvmord for salg | work =Nettavisen | language =Norwegian | publisher = www.na24.no | date =April 22, 2008 | url =http://www.na24.no/propaganda/skribenter/article1775291.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-28 }}</ref> A representative of the National Association for Suicide Survivors in Norway regarded it as excessive.<ref>{{cite news | title =Kritikk av selvmordsdekning | work = Tvedestrandsposten | language = Norwegian | publisher =www.tvedestrandsposten.no | date =April 16, 2008 | url =http://www.tvedestrandsposten.no/Innenriks/article3479028.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-28 }}</ref> News editor of ''Dagbladet'', Peter Raaum, defended the amount of news coverage given to the incident: "We write about this because the survivor has made criticism of the Scientology test that Kaja took just before she took her life. The family wanted a debate about this. What makes this so important is this test. What kind of test is this? Is it so reprehensible, and significant to what happened? If it is, I mean it's something that's extremely important to focus on."<ref>{{cite news| last =Badi | first = Diana | title = Dette går over alle støvleskaft | work =Dagbladet | language =Norwegian | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date = April 16, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/16/532758.html | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> Ballo's family agreed to discuss the incident with the media.<ref>{{cite news | title = Religiøst maktmisbruk? | work = [[TV 2 (Norway)|TV 2]] | language =Norwegian | publisher = www.tv2underholdning.no | date = April 19, 2008 | url =http://www.tv2underholdning.no/gudenevet/religioest-maktmisbruk-1771882.html | accessdate = 2010-06-02 }}</ref> In an interview Ballo's father said he did not have issues with the case being front-page news in newspapers.<ref>{{cite news | title = Olav Gunnar Ballo: - Ingen oppskrift på sorg | work = Psykiskhelse | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.psykiskhelse.no | date = September 17, 2009 | url = http://www.psykiskhelse.no/index.asp?id=28209 | accessdate = 2010-05-28 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20120305124521/http://www.psykiskhelse.no/index.asp?id=28209 | archivedate = March 5, 2012 | df = }}</ref> |
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Norway parliament member [[Inga Marte Thorkildsen]] weighed in on the situation, and stated to the [[Oslo]], Norway newspaper ''Dagbladet'', "All indications are that the Scientologist sect has played a direct role in Kaja's choice to take her own life."<ref name="berglund" /> Ballo's friend and study partner Henry Møinichen told ''Dagbladet'', "I think Kaja would be alive today if she had not gone to the Scientologists."<ref>{{cite news| last = Gjerstad | first =Tore | title = Ville vært i live i dag hvis hun ikke hadde gått til scientologene | work =Dagbladet | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/15/532571.html | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> [[Psychologist]] Rudy Myrvang told ''Aftenposten'' that testing procedures such as the personality test conducted by Scientology could have negative consequences; he said the goal was focused on "breaking you down, and then they'll offer to build you up again".<ref name="berglund" /> Myrvang characterized the Scientology personality test as a recruitment tactic for the organization.<ref name="berglund" /><ref>{{cite news | title =Den eneste positive egenskapen jeg hadde var at jeg var god på kommunikasjon | work = Dagbladet | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/15/532596.html | accessdate =2010-06-02}}</ref> ''Dagbladet'' consulted an expert on the subject of assessment tests, Ole I. Iversen, who characterized the Scientology personality test as "unethical and junk".<ref>{{cite news| title = Svarene hennes kunne egentlig ikke brukes til noe som helst | work =Dagbladet | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date =August 21, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/08/19/544095.html | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> |
Norway parliament member [[Inga Marte Thorkildsen]] weighed in on the situation, and stated to the [[Oslo]], Norway newspaper ''Dagbladet'', "All indications are that the Scientologist sect has played a direct role in Kaja's choice to take her own life."<ref name="berglund" /> Ballo's friend and study partner Henry Møinichen told ''Dagbladet'', "I think Kaja would be alive today if she had not gone to the Scientologists."<ref>{{cite news| last = Gjerstad | first =Tore | title = Ville vært i live i dag hvis hun ikke hadde gått til scientologene | work =Dagbladet | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date =April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/15/532571.html | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> [[Psychologist]] Rudy Myrvang told ''Aftenposten'' that testing procedures such as the personality test conducted by Scientology could have negative consequences; he said the goal was focused on "breaking you down, and then they'll offer to build you up again".<ref name="berglund" /> Myrvang characterized the Scientology personality test as a recruitment tactic for the organization.<ref name="berglund" /><ref>{{cite news | title =Den eneste positive egenskapen jeg hadde var at jeg var god på kommunikasjon | work = Dagbladet | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date = April 15, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/04/15/532596.html | accessdate =2010-06-02}}</ref> ''Dagbladet'' consulted an expert on the subject of assessment tests, Ole I. Iversen, who characterized the Scientology personality test as "unethical and junk".<ref>{{cite news| title = Svarene hennes kunne egentlig ikke brukes til noe som helst | work =Dagbladet | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.dagbladet.no | date =August 21, 2008 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2008/08/19/544095.html | accessdate =2010-05-28 }}</ref> |
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==''Kaja: 1988–2008''== |
==''Kaja: 1988–2008''== |
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{{wikinews|Norwegian government considers prosecuting Scientology}} |
{{wikinews|Norwegian government considers prosecuting Scientology}} |
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Ballo's father subsequently wrote a book about his daughter's suicide.<ref name="moedte">{{cite news | title = Kaja Moedte Scientology — Og Begvik Selvmord | work = Politiken | publisher =Dagbladet Politiken | page = 2 | date =April 19, 2009 }}</ref> He decided not to give interviews to the press about his ordeal until the book was published.<ref>{{cite news |last=Øverås Knudsen|first=Sjur|title = Ballo forteller om sorgen | work =[[NRK]] | language = Norwegian| publisher = www.nrk.no | date = August 19, 2008 | url = http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/1.6183190 | accessdate = 2010-05-28 }}</ref> He wanted to be able to tell the story and impact of his daughter's death, on his own terms.<ref>{{cite news | title =Skriver om datterens selvmord | newspaper = [[Finnmark Dagblad]] | language = Norwegian | publisher = /www.finnmarkdagblad.no | date = August 19, 2008 | url =http://www.finnmarkdagblad.no/nyheter/article3728687.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> Titled, ''Kaja: 1988–2008'', the book explores the sequence of events that led to his daughter's death, from her time studying French in Nice.<ref>{{cite news | title =Ballo skriver bok om datteren | work =Side 2 | publisher = www.side2.no | date = August 20, 2008 | url = http://www.side2.no/kultur/article2145936.ece| accessdate =2010-05-27 }}</ref> Her early history of psychiatric treatment is discussed in the book.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thorkildsen|first=Joakim |title = Hank von Helvete er destruktiv og farlig | work =Dagbladet | publisher =www.dagbladet.no | date = June 13, 2009 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/a/6684348/ | accessdate = 2010-05-28 }}</ref> He recounts the difficulties in getting information about his daughter's death from government authorities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vikås|first=Marianne| title = Ballo om UD: - Som å møte en mur | work =Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no | date =April 18, 2009 | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=562268 | accessdate =2010-05-27 }}</ref> According to the author, there was a slow response in receiving help from the Foreign Ministry of Norway.<ref>{{cite news |last=Skevik|first=Erlend et. al| title =Støre rystet av Ballos SMS | work =Verdens Gang | publisher =www.vg.no | date = April 18, 2009 | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=562343 | accessdate =2010-05-27 }}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Politiken]]'', he explained the motivation for writing the book: "After the funeral I felt I had to do something relating to grief. This was my way to process the grief. The second issue was that I needed to transcribe the account to later tell my little daughter Oda."<ref name="faber">{{cite news| last = Faber | first = Kim | title = Det Var Min Maade At Bearbejde Sorgen Paa| work =Politiken | publisher =Dagbladet Politiken | page =2 | date = April 19, 2009 }}</ref> He also said, "I wanted to contribute to greater openness about suicide."<ref name="faber" /> He acknowledged, "Losing a child means that life is turned upside down. I believe that grief becomes heavier if you do not share it with anyone."<ref>{{cite news | title =Ballo med bok om sorg | work = [[Dagsavisen]] | publisher =www.dagsavisen.no | date =August 20, 2008 | url =http://www.dagsavisen.no/kultur/boker/article364629.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The book was written with input from other family members.<ref>{{cite news|first=Arne|last |
Ballo's father subsequently wrote a book about his daughter's suicide.<ref name="moedte">{{cite news | title = Kaja Moedte Scientology — Og Begvik Selvmord | work = Politiken | publisher =Dagbladet Politiken | page = 2 | date =April 19, 2009 }}</ref> He decided not to give interviews to the press about his ordeal until the book was published.<ref>{{cite news |last=Øverås Knudsen|first=Sjur|title = Ballo forteller om sorgen | work =[[NRK]] | language = Norwegian| publisher = www.nrk.no | date = August 19, 2008 | url = http://www.nrk.no/nyheter/1.6183190 | accessdate = 2010-05-28 }}</ref> He wanted to be able to tell the story and impact of his daughter's death, on his own terms.<ref>{{cite news | title =Skriver om datterens selvmord | newspaper = [[Finnmark Dagblad]] | language = Norwegian | publisher = /www.finnmarkdagblad.no | date = August 19, 2008 | url =http://www.finnmarkdagblad.no/nyheter/article3728687.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> Titled, ''Kaja: 1988–2008'', the book explores the sequence of events that led to his daughter's death, from her time studying French in Nice.<ref>{{cite news | title =Ballo skriver bok om datteren | work =Side 2 | publisher = www.side2.no | date = August 20, 2008 | url = http://www.side2.no/kultur/article2145936.ece| accessdate =2010-05-27 }}</ref> Her early history of psychiatric treatment is discussed in the book.<ref>{{cite news |last=Thorkildsen|first=Joakim |title = Hank von Helvete er destruktiv og farlig | work =Dagbladet | publisher =www.dagbladet.no | date = June 13, 2009 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/a/6684348/ | accessdate = 2010-05-28 }}</ref> He recounts the difficulties in getting information about his daughter's death from government authorities.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vikås|first=Marianne| title = Ballo om UD: - Som å møte en mur | work =Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no | date =April 18, 2009 | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=562268 | accessdate =2010-05-27 }}</ref> According to the author, there was a slow response in receiving help from the Foreign Ministry of Norway.<ref>{{cite news |last=Skevik|first=Erlend et. al| title =Støre rystet av Ballos SMS | work =Verdens Gang | publisher =www.vg.no | date = April 18, 2009 | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=562343 | accessdate =2010-05-27 }}</ref> In an interview with ''[[Politiken]]'', he explained the motivation for writing the book: "After the funeral I felt I had to do something relating to grief. This was my way to process the grief. The second issue was that I needed to transcribe the account to later tell my little daughter Oda."<ref name="faber">{{cite news| last = Faber | first = Kim | title = Det Var Min Maade At Bearbejde Sorgen Paa| work =Politiken | publisher =Dagbladet Politiken | page =2 | date = April 19, 2009 }}</ref> He also said, "I wanted to contribute to greater openness about suicide."<ref name="faber" /> He acknowledged, "Losing a child means that life is turned upside down. I believe that grief becomes heavier if you do not share it with anyone."<ref>{{cite news | title =Ballo med bok om sorg | work = [[Dagsavisen]] | publisher =www.dagsavisen.no | date =August 20, 2008 | url =http://www.dagsavisen.no/kultur/boker/article364629.ece | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }} {{Dead link|date=April 2012|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> The book was written with input from other family members.<ref>{{cite news | first =Arne | last =Guttormsen | title =Forteller om sorgen | work =Vårt Land | publisher =www.vl.no | date =August 20, 2008 | url =http://www.vl.no/kultur/article15781.zrm | accessdate =2010-05-27 }}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> |
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''Kaja: 1988–2008'' became a [[bestseller]] in Norway.<ref name="bestselger">{{cite news | last=Nøtsund Fotland|first=Maiken|title = Boka om datterens selvmord ble bestselger | work =Dagbladet | language = Norwegian | publisher =www.dagbladet.no | date =May 4, 2009 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/2009/05/04/kultur/litteratur/bokmandag_boklista/olav_gunnar_ballo/arnfinn_nordbo/6054671/ | accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> The book reached second place on the bestseller list of the Bestseller Association in Norway for general literature, in May 2009.<ref name="bestselger" /> ''Kaja: 1988–2008'' sparked renewed controversy over perceptions of Scientology activities in Norway.<ref>{{cite news|last=Akerhaug|first=Lars |title = Religionsforsker: - Scientologi skiller seg ikke fra andre trossamfunn | work = VG Nett | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.vg.no | date = May 1, 2009 | url =http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=552875 | accessdate =2010-06-02 }}</ref> In a review of the book, ''Dagbladet'' noted that because the author was writing both as a private individual and as a [[physician]], "he is trained to look at the familiar and intimate with professionalism and distance."<ref>{{cite news |last=Bromark|first=Stian |title = Åpen om sorgen | work = Dagbladet | publisher =www.dagbladet.no | date = April 18, 2009 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2009/04/18/571979.html | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> Upon the book's publication, representative Matthias Fosse of the Church of Scientology stated, "Church of Scientology had absolutely nothing to do with this young woman's decision to take her own life. We are sorry for the loss the family has suffered, but this young woman was never a member of the Church of Scientology and never participated in any of the church activities."<ref>{{cite news | title =Scientologikirken er her for å hjelpe folk | work = Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no| date =April 22, 2009 | url =http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=571744 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> |
''Kaja: 1988–2008'' became a [[bestseller]] in Norway.<ref name="bestselger">{{cite news | last=Nøtsund Fotland|first=Maiken|title = Boka om datterens selvmord ble bestselger | work =Dagbladet | language = Norwegian | publisher =www.dagbladet.no | date =May 4, 2009 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/2009/05/04/kultur/litteratur/bokmandag_boklista/olav_gunnar_ballo/arnfinn_nordbo/6054671/ | accessdate = 2010-05-28}}</ref> The book reached second place on the bestseller list of the Bestseller Association in Norway for general literature, in May 2009.<ref name="bestselger" /> ''Kaja: 1988–2008'' sparked renewed controversy over perceptions of Scientology activities in Norway.<ref>{{cite news | last = Akerhaug | first = Lars | title = Religionsforsker: - Scientologi skiller seg ikke fra andre trossamfunn | work = VG Nett | language = Norwegian | publisher = www.vg.no | date = May 1, 2009 | url = http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=552875 | accessdate = 2010-06-02 | deadurl = yes | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20121013025237/http://www.vg.no/nyheter/utskriftsvennlig/?artId=552875 | archivedate = October 13, 2012 | df = }}</ref> In a review of the book, ''Dagbladet'' noted that because the author was writing both as a private individual and as a [[physician]], "he is trained to look at the familiar and intimate with professionalism and distance."<ref>{{cite news |last=Bromark|first=Stian |title = Åpen om sorgen | work = Dagbladet | publisher =www.dagbladet.no | date = April 18, 2009 | url = http://www.dagbladet.no/kultur/2009/04/18/571979.html | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> Upon the book's publication, representative Matthias Fosse of the Church of Scientology stated, "Church of Scientology had absolutely nothing to do with this young woman's decision to take her own life. We are sorry for the loss the family has suffered, but this young woman was never a member of the Church of Scientology and never participated in any of the church activities."<ref>{{cite news | title =Scientologikirken er her for å hjelpe folk | work = Verdens Gang | publisher = www.vg.no| date =April 22, 2009 | url =http://www.vg.no/nyheter/innenriks/artikkel.php?artid=571744 | accessdate = 2010-05-27 }}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
Revision as of 08:57, 7 September 2017
![]() Kaja Ballo | |
Date | March 28, 2008 |
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Standort | Nice, France |
Kaja Bordevich Ballo (1988 – March 28, 2008) was a university student in the French town of Nice; her father was Olav Gunnar Ballo, a member of the Norwegian Parliament. On March 28, 2008 Kaja Ballo took the personality test run by the Church of Scientology, and committed suicide later the same day. Family and friends stated that Ballo was happy prior to taking the test, and that her mood dramatically shifted after receiving the results. She committed suicide hours after getting the results of the test back; Ballo jumped from the fourth floor of her dorm room. In addition to a note, her family found the Scientology personality test among her belongings. French police investigated connections between Scientology and Ballo's death, and interviewed two leaders of the organization in France. Prosecutors stated in December 2008 that they were unable to establish a causative link between the Scientology test and Ballo's death.
A Scientology representative in France asserted that the Scientology personality test was not created by the Church of Scientology, and that it was not related to Ballo's death. The Church of Scientology's information chief in Norway, Matthias Fosse stated that the test was not dangerous and that the organization did not bear any responsibility for Ballo's death. Ballo's father retained a lawyer to investigate his daughter's death, and the family considered filing a lawsuit against Scientology. 500 people attended Ballo's funeral on April 11, 2008 at Grefsen Church in Oslo, Norway.
The incident received significant media coverage in Norway, and Verdens Gang and Dagbladet devoted multiple cover stories to investigating the controversy. The media faced criticism for its extensive coverage of Ballo's death.[1] Norway parliament member Inga Marte Thorkildsen commented that she thought indications were that Scientology had a role in Ballo's suicide. Psychologist Rudy Myrvang told Aftenposten that the Scientology personality test was designed to break down an individual; he characterized the test as a form of recruitment tool for the organization. Scientology critic Andreas Heldal-Lund stated parents of those involved in Scientology contacted him with similar concerns. The Norwegian Psychological Association warned individuals against taking such types of personality tests.
Ballo's father wrote a book about his daughter's death, and refrained from interviews with the press until the book was published in 2009. Titled Kaja: 1988–2008, the book became a bestseller in Norway. It reached second place on the bestseller list of the Bestseller Association in Norway for general literature, in May 2009. The author stated he wrote the book as an expository method to both process his grief, inform his family about the controversy, and educate the public about suicide.
Family
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Olav_Gunnar_Ballo_2009.jpg/220px-Olav_Gunnar_Ballo_2009.jpg)
Kaja Bordevich Ballo was the daughter of Olav Gunnar Ballo, a member of the Norwegian Parliament.[2] Her stepmother was Heidi Sørensen, a former member of the Norwegian Parliament, and State Secretary in the Ministry of the Environment.[3]
Scientology personality test
Kaja Ballo took a personality test given by the Church of Scientology in Nice, France on March 28, 2008.[2][4] The test is known either as the Scientology personality test, or as Oxford Capacity Analysis.[5] The testing location was situated close to her residential area in student housing, in a nearby storefront shopping facility.[6] It was located only a few meters from her dormitory.[7] According to representatives for Scientology, Ballo spent a total of one hour at the facility.[8] She received a negative result from the test.[2] It indicated that some of her responses were situated on what is referred to in Scientology as "an unacceptable level".[9] The test consists of 200 questions.[4][10] Ballo missed 100 points on the test, and this was seen as "unstable".[11] The Scientology test stated she had a "very limited" IQ.[12]
Ballo's friends and family members said that her mood "changed" after receiving the results.[2] Family said she had not indicated any problems prior to taking the test.[13] Ballo's uncle Heljar Ballo stated on a program on public broadcaster NRK that the results of the Scientology personality test were "devastating" to her.[6] He served as a spokesperson for the family during an intense period of their grief.[14] He described her as "happy and bubbly", prior to taking the Scientology test.[15] Heljar Ballo stated, "We can only relate the facts, that she was doing well in France, was happy and had many good friends, and that she took this test."[6]
Death
Ballo committed suicide, hours after hearing the results of the personality test conducted by Scientology.[2] She jumped from the fourth floor of her dorm room in Nice, France, two hours after getting the results of the test.[16] She left behind a note, along with the results of the Scientology personality test.[6] The results of the personality test were found among her belongings by her family.[17] In April 2008, Aftenposten noted that the French police were investigating connections between Scientology and Ballo's death.[6] The investigation was being headed by a judge in France.[18] In April 2008 the French police interviewed two leaders of Scientology in France.[19][20] Prosecutor Eric de Montgolfier opened an investigation into the incident in France, in April 2008.[21] A French investigating prosecutor told Dagbladet, "We are almost convinced that it is a suicide. But the question is whether something encouraged her to this."[22] Prosecutors stated in December 2008 that they could not determine a direct link between the Scientology personality test and Ballo's death.[23]
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Agnes Bron, a Scientology representative in France, denied that the test was related to Ballo's death, and asserted that the Scientology personality test was not created by the Church of Scientology.[24] Scientologists pay royalties to the Hubbard Foundation for use of the test.[25] She said that Ballo never actually received the results of her personality test.[26] A spokesperson for Scientology asserted to Verdens Gang that the results of the personality test are seen as neither positive nor negative, but rather allow the individual to gain insight into their own personality.[27] A representative of Scientology in Norway described the concerns leveled against the organization as "deeply unfair".[2] The Scientology official noted Ballo had a psychological history as a teenager, and said she had an eating disorder.[2] The Church of Scientology's Information Chief in Norway, Matthias Fosse, asserted that the Scientology personality test was not "dangerous", and stated that "millions" of individuals had partaken in the examination.[6] He asserted that approximately 10,000 residents of Norway had taken the test.[28] "I have never, never, never heard of someone who has killed on the basis of the OCA test," said Fosse.[29] Fosse said that Ballo had entered the Scientology premises in Nice of her own volition.[6] Fosse maintained that the negative views of the organization were based on ignorance and intolerance.[30] "I feel deeply for the Ballo family, but it is a rude insinuation that the Church of Scientology has any responsibility for this incident," said Fosse.[31]
Ballo's father was critical of the statements made by Fosse about his daughter's history.[6] He commented to Verdens Gang that the Church of Scientology was negatively impacting the reputation of his daughter and not respecting the privacy of her health history.[6] He did not wish to comment regarding the nature of the investigation in France.[32] Ballo's uncle Heljar Ballo explained that Kaja Ballo's family decided to come forward with information to the media about her suicide, due to a motivation to publicize information relating to the circumstances of her death.[6] Heljar Ballo told Aftenposten that the family "had confidence" in the investigation by local law enforcement in France.[6] He thought there was a connection between her death and Scientology.[33] Kaja Ballo's father retained an attorney to investigate his daughter's death.[6] In April 2008, Ballo's family was considering taking legal action against Scientology.[34] Kaja Ballo was interred on April 11, 2008 at Grefsen Church in Oslo, and approximately 500 people were present at the funeral ceremony.[6]
Commentary
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In reporting on Ballo's death, United Press International noted, "Critics say the break-you-down-build-you-up recruitment tool of Scientologists is controversial."[2] The issue received a significant amount of coverage in Norway news publications;[35][36] and media attention focused criticism on the Church of Scientology.[37][38] Both Verdens Gang and Dagbladet devoted several cover stories investigating the matter.[39] News media received criticism regarding the amount of coverage given to the incident.[1][40] A representative of the National Association for Suicide Survivors in Norway regarded it as excessive.[41] News editor of Dagbladet, Peter Raaum, defended the amount of news coverage given to the incident: "We write about this because the survivor has made criticism of the Scientology test that Kaja took just before she took her life. The family wanted a debate about this. What makes this so important is this test. What kind of test is this? Is it so reprehensible, and significant to what happened? If it is, I mean it's something that's extremely important to focus on."[42] Ballo's family agreed to discuss the incident with the media.[43] In an interview Ballo's father said he did not have issues with the case being front-page news in newspapers.[44]
Norway parliament member Inga Marte Thorkildsen weighed in on the situation, and stated to the Oslo, Norway newspaper Dagbladet, "All indications are that the Scientologist sect has played a direct role in Kaja's choice to take her own life."[6] Ballo's friend and study partner Henry Møinichen told Dagbladet, "I think Kaja would be alive today if she had not gone to the Scientologists."[45] Psychologist Rudy Myrvang told Aftenposten that testing procedures such as the personality test conducted by Scientology could have negative consequences; he said the goal was focused on "breaking you down, and then they'll offer to build you up again".[6] Myrvang characterized the Scientology personality test as a recruitment tactic for the organization.[6][46] Dagbladet consulted an expert on the subject of assessment tests, Ole I. Iversen, who characterized the Scientology personality test as "unethical and junk".[47]
Scientology critic Andreas Heldal-Lund stated that the Church of Scientology views candidates for the test as "raw meat from the street".[6] "You're told you're worth nothing," he said.[6] Heldal-Lund stated that, "thousands of desperate parents contact me because they have children who have had major mental problems, or taken their own life after similar circumstances to Kaja Ballo".[48] Scientology-associated celebrity, Hank Von Helvete, commented to the press that he thought psychiatry, not Scientology, was the cause of Ballo's suicide.[49] TV 2 reported that psychologists advised that subsequent to the personality test, there should be proper follow-up attention with the subject.[50] In an analysis of personality tests available online on social networking sites, Norwegian Psychological Association department advisor Andreas Høstmælingen cited Kaja Ballo as "an example of how wrong things can go".[51] The Norwegian Psychological Association warned individuals against taking such types of personality tests.[51]
Kaja: 1988–2008
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Ballo's father subsequently wrote a book about his daughter's suicide.[52] He decided not to give interviews to the press about his ordeal until the book was published.[53] He wanted to be able to tell the story and impact of his daughter's death, on his own terms.[54] Titled, Kaja: 1988–2008, the book explores the sequence of events that led to his daughter's death, from her time studying French in Nice.[55] Her early history of psychiatric treatment is discussed in the book.[56] He recounts the difficulties in getting information about his daughter's death from government authorities.[57] According to the author, there was a slow response in receiving help from the Foreign Ministry of Norway.[58] In an interview with Politiken, he explained the motivation for writing the book: "After the funeral I felt I had to do something relating to grief. This was my way to process the grief. The second issue was that I needed to transcribe the account to later tell my little daughter Oda."[59] He also said, "I wanted to contribute to greater openness about suicide."[59] He acknowledged, "Losing a child means that life is turned upside down. I believe that grief becomes heavier if you do not share it with anyone."[60] The book was written with input from other family members.[61]
Kaja: 1988–2008 became a bestseller in Norway.[62] The book reached second place on the bestseller list of the Bestseller Association in Norway for general literature, in May 2009.[62] Kaja: 1988–2008 sparked renewed controversy over perceptions of Scientology activities in Norway.[63] In a review of the book, Dagbladet noted that because the author was writing both as a private individual and as a physician, "he is trained to look at the familiar and intimate with professionalism and distance."[64] Upon the book's publication, representative Matthias Fosse of the Church of Scientology stated, "Church of Scientology had absolutely nothing to do with this young woman's decision to take her own life. We are sorry for the loss the family has suffered, but this young woman was never a member of the Church of Scientology and never participated in any of the church activities."[65]
See also
- List of suicides
- Scientology controversies
- Scientology in France: Suicide of Patrice Vic
- Scientology in Norway
- Scientology and the legal system
- Scientology and psychiatry
References
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- ^ At the time she took the test, Ballo was a student at university in France.صحيفة العرب القطرية // - - - فكر إسلام. Al-Arab Daily Newspaper (in Arabic). Qatar: www.alarab.com.qa. May 10, 2008. Archived from the original on September 3, 2011. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
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- ^ "Livredde stjerner på ønskelista". Seher (in Norwegian). www.seher.no. April 18, 2008. Retrieved 2010-06-02.
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- ^ "Scientologikirken er her for å hjelpe folk". Verdens Gang. www.vg.no. April 22, 2009. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
Further reading
- Ballo, Olav Gunnar (2009). Kaja: 1988–2008 (in Norwegian). Norway: Cappelen Damm. ISBN 82-02-28932-7.
- Nordhausen, Frank; Liane von Billerbeck (2008). Scientology: Wie der Sektenkonzern die Welt erobern will (in German). Germany: Links Christoph Verlag. p. 142. ISBN 3-86153-470-3.
External links
- Kaja Ballo, directory of info, media coverage