Hi, my name is Joe Cisar. I am from the USA.

I think there is a lack of news about Scientology in the USA. So I translate German news articles about Scientology into English and post them on the internet. 

In late April 1998, I posted a couple of my translations about Scientology which mentioned Bob Minton's work with that organization. Two months later, on June 16, 1998, NBC's Dateline television show broadcast a show about Bob Minton's work with Scientology. At that time, one of the few places information about Bob Minton and his work could be found was at my web site. 

After people found my web site through internet search engines, dozens wrote me e-mails about Bob Minton. "How can I help Bob Minton?" "What can I do?" "Where can I send money to help this man?" I answered to send their money to FactNet, which is an organization which informs people about Scientology.

My point is that not only do I appreciate what Mr. Minton has done to inform people about Scientology, but I appreciate the fact that there is an actual need for help and this need comes from people who have no one else from whom they can get help. This is very basic, and it should not be forgotten.

Presentation of the Award and the Award Certificate, which read:

• of his involvement, led by his courage and sense of civil duty, on behalf of the victims of Scientology
• of his efforts towards human rights and freedom of expression in the USA
• and as an expression of our support for the American people in putting human rights violations by the totalitarian Scientology to an end.

For the Committee

/signatures/