In 1969, Hungarian refugee Victor Gyory was involuntarily
committed to an American psychiatric institution, stripped naked, held in isolation
and forced to undergo repeated bouts of brutal electroshock1.
A hospital aide reported the abuse to the newly formed Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR). Aided in their investigation by Hungarian psychiatrist, Dr Thomas Szasz, they discovered Gyory, who spoke no English, had been diagnosed as “schizophrenic” and forcibly “treated” because his native Hungarian was considered “incoherent babbling”. Taking swift legal action, CCHR proceeded to win Gyory’s release.
That first victory over the abuses of psychiatry marked the beginning of a 36-year journey, one that has brought CCHR to international prominence as the pre-eminent watchdog for mental health.
PROTECTING THE
RIGHTS OF OTHERS
The Citizens Commission on Human Rights was established in the United Kingdom (and concurrently in the U.S.) in 1969—by members of the Church of Scientology—following a U.K. National Health Service Inquiry that uncovered widespread psychiatric patient abuse.
The Church, since its inception a half-century ago, has steadfastly opposed tyranny and injustice in any form. As there can be no true and lasting freedom in the face of man’s inhumanity to man, the individual Scientologist knows it is part of his larger responsibility to take effective action to secure freedom for all.
1. Electroshock: Refers to a brutal psychiatric “treatment” called electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) or shock treatment. An electric current is passed through the patient’s head, causing convulsions, memory loss and permanent brain damage.
