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Scientology Trial Ends in Paris; Verdict Expected in September

PARIS, France (CNN) -- Wednesday marked the last day of a three-week trial in Paris in which the Church of Scientology stood accused of fraud.         

If found guilty, the church could be forced to shut down in France, though appeals could let the case continue for years.         

Closing arguments were made Wednesday, two days after the prosecution asked for a dissolution of both the church and its Paris bookstore, and fines of 2 million euros ($2.8 million).         

A verdict is expected in September.         

The two plaintiffs are women who say they were defrauded by the organization, which is classified as a sect in France.         

Their complaints focus on the use of a device that Scientologists say measures spiritual well-being. Members use the electropsychometer, or E-Meter, to "locate areas of spiritual duress or travail so they can be addressed and handled," according to Scientology's Web site.         

The women say that, after using the device, they were encouraged to pay for vitamins and books. They say that amounted to fraud.         

The first plaintiff, Aude-Claire Malton, is a housekeeper at a Paris hotel who says she spent about 21,000 euros ($29,000) in "sauna therapy" and classes to "heal the mind," according to French media.         

Her fellow plaintiff is Nelly Reziga, who has told French media that her boss fired her because she refused to attend classes at the Scientology church.         

Reziga's boss, Max Barbault, was originally a defendant but has died, according to French media.         

Six Scientology members were on trial, along with two corporate entities -- the church and the bookshop it runs in Paris.         

If found guilty, the Scientology members could face prison time and fines of as much as 10 million euros ($13.9 million) each.         

The church and the bookshop could be liable for as much as 5 million euros ($6.95 million) in fines and could be forced to shut down if found guilty.         

The trial began in late May.

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