The Society on Addictions and the Hungarian Harm Reduction Association Issued a Joint Press Release on the Drug-free Marathon

Experts were taken aback after learning that Pál Schmitt, Chairman of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, has participated in the marathon. Experts are also concerned that public figures, olympic champions, actors and police officers have been mislead. Read their press release to learn more.

Press Release

The Society on Addictions and the Hungarian Harm Reduction Association was astonished to learn that Pál Schmitt, Chairman of the Hungarian Olympic Committee, has joined other celebrities in supporting the Drug-free Marathon.

The Drug-Free Marathon, despite its showy slogans, is a project of the Church of Scientology. Thus, the honesty of their intention is disputable. The Church of Scientology does not acknowledge the warranty of psychiatric and psychological treatment and because of this, deny psychiatric and addiction treatments to drug users. In their anti-drug and prevention programs, the Church issues professionally unsound data.

We are concerned that these programs are seemingly publicized with no connection to the Church. The Society and Association find Mr.Schmitt’s statement about his willingness to make a deal with the Devil in order to save the youth from drugs, unacceptable. It is also of concern that public figures, olympic champions, actors and police officers have been mislead and that well-known multinational companies have sponsored the Church's ‘informative campaign,’ despite the doubtful authenticity of its claims.

We call upon all legal and private persons to reconsider their participation in this event. We suggest, instead, to support the work of experts and organizations dedicated to fulfill the criteria and leads of the National Drug Strategy by offering your name and funds.

Society on Addictions and the Hungarian Harm Reduction Association have issued a joint press release on the Drug-free Marathon

Society on Addictions
Hungarian Harm Reduction Association
April 21st, 2008

Share

Related articles

An illiberal state in the heart of Europe

Between 2010 and 2014, an 'illiberal state' was being built in Hungary. In line with prime minister's announcement on the subject, from 2014 we have been offered a perspective on how an actual, consolidated illiberal democracy operates.

An open letter for president Juncker

Representatives of civil society organizations and communities which share an interest in achieving a concerted response to HIV/AIDS, Tubercolosis, and viral Hepatitis in Europe wrote an open letter for President Jean- Claude Juncker.

ECtHR’s Judgment is Final: Hungarian Church Act Violates Freedom of Religion

The Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights has rejected the referral request of the Hungarian government, making the Court's original ruling against the government final.