FACTBOX - Scientology in France on trial

PARIS (Reuters) - The Church of Scientology's French branch went on trial on Monday on charges of organised fraud.

The group's Paris headquarters and bookshop are defendants in the case. If found guilty, they could be fined 5 million euros (4.4 million pounds) and ordered to cease their activities.

Following is a summary of Scientology's history and main activities.

HISTORY

Founded in 1954 by science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, Scientology describes itself as a religion that seeks spiritual enlightenment. Celebrity members include actors Tom Cruise and John Travolta.

TESTS AND CURES

The French trial centres on complaints by former Scientology members who say they were cajoled into spending up to hundreds and thousands of euros on personality tests, vitamin cures, sauna sessions and counselling with an "e-metre."

Scientology members usually undergo personality tests and a form of counselling called "auditing."

In an auditing session, the counsellor, known as the "auditor," locates spiritual problems of the patient, known as the "preclear," through questions and the use of an "e-metre," Scientology says on its website.