International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001

Hare Krishna: news articles 1988

ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1988

January/February  

Hare Krishna Devotees Arrested in Moscow (p. 16) Police in Moscow forcibly broke up an August 29 demonstration by about 20 Hare Krishna activists, who were pushed into a police bus after they assembled in a small park on Gorky Street opposite City Hall to press for official recognition as a religious group. 

Soviet officials have accused the Hare Krishnas of being "anti-Communist" and a tool of the American CIA. Hare Krishna spokesmen have denied the charges. 

A group known as the Committee to Free Soviet Hare Krishnas, based in Stockholm and headed by D.V. Jakupko, said early in 1986 that 25 Hare Krishna members in the Soviet Union were either in prison or psychiatric hospitals because of their beliefs.  From "Moscow Police Break Up Hare Krishna Gathering," the Los Angeles Times, August 30, 1987 

Krishna Leader Cleared of Arson Charge; Follower Guilty (p. 6) A U.S. District Court jury in West Virginia December 15 found Hare Krishna devotee Thomas Drescher guilty of burning an apartment building near the sect's New Vrindaban commune to collect $40,000 in insurance. 

But the jurors found New Vrindaban's leader, Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, innocent of arson, conspiracy, and mail fraud.

Drescher's lawyer said he would appeal his client's conviction on charges of malicious burning. The charge carries a possible 10-year prison term and a $10,000 fine. Dreshcer was cleared of conspiracy and mail fraud charges. 

U.S. Attorney William Kolibash said his office's wide-ranging investigation of the New Vrindaban community will continue. From "Krishna leader cleared of arson charges," the Boston Globe, December 16,1987 

Various Sites Proposed for Hare Krishnas' "City of God" (p. 7) The eastern Pennsylvania town of Jim Thorpe is dismayed at the prospect of a Hare Krishna "City of God" in its midst. Residents fear sect members will try to convert local youth and turn the area into a haven for panhandling.  Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, leader of the sect’s New Vrindaban, WV, community, envisions a walled city that will be a "bastion that stands for fortification of religion, decency, purity and love of God." 

Various sites, including New Vrindaban itself, have been proposed for the city. The Hare Krishnas are said to favor the Jim Thorpe site because of its proximity to other Krishna communities. But a Krishna spokesman said Bhaktipada had chosen a 300-acre site near Trenton, NJ, because of its historical significance.

The completed city would enclose 280 acres, and would shelter 12,000 people inside its walls and another 30,000 outside. The compound would include gardens and a gilded palace, a huge temple surrounded by 16 satellite temples, and a bomb shelter stocked with provisions for 30 days. 

Bhaktipada reportedly wants to hire New York mega-developer Donald Trump to build the city. 

"The swami is big enough to talk to Donald Trump," said Sanatha Dasi, a former New York resident who is serving as the projects architect. "The question is, is Donald Trump big enough to talk to Swami?" From "City fears Krishna community," the Tribune [Mesa, AZ], November 22, 1987, and "Hare Trumpna," the New York Post, November 14, 1987, p. 4  

March/April

 Hare Krishna Solicitors Arrested for Trespassing (p. 9)

Two Hare Krishnas seeking financial support for their cause were arrested in the University of Pennsylvania Quadrangle two weeks ago for trespassing. The two have been linked to the Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban, in Moundsville, WV, which has been the subject of state and federal investigations of alleged illegal activities including sexual assault on children resident in the commune and copyright infringements in connection with sales of items to the public.

The Krishna solicitors said they were collecting donations for the group's program that allegedly provides food for poor people in West Virginia, a claim denied by Detective Sergeant Thomas Westfall, of Marshall County, WV.

University Public Safety Sergeant Thomas Messner said that a similar Krishna group was soliciting on campus last year, but using a different name. From "Krishna cult tied to murders, deceitful fundraising," by Kristine Butler, and "U. prohibits soliciting, peddling in residences," by Kristine Butler, The Daily Pennsylvanian, January 25, 1987.

Krishna Murder From the FAIR NEWS, January 1988 (p. 15) A Hare Krishna follower is being questioned about the murder of a fellow devotee whose headless body was found in a store in the London area. The victim was James Immel, an American, who had been the British leader of ISKCON from 1979 to 1982, when he had reportedly left the movement with several other disenchanted members. 

Pennsylvania Residents Oppose Krishnas' Park Purchase (p. 10) Residents of Moosic, PA, are up in arms over reports that the Hare Krishnas are considering the purchase of Rocky Glen Park amusement complex when its lease expires in July. The Krishnas would like to build a walled "City of God" on the site.

At a public meeting February 3 nearly a thousand local residents voiced their protests, and 700 signed petitions opposing the sale. The meeting was called after borough council president Joseph Mercatili was told by Rocky Glen owner Marvin Roth that someone was interested in buying the park. Mercatili said Roth "seemed hesitant' to disclose the identity of the prospective buyer.

Scranton resident Donald Fetterolf, whose son, Eric, was once a member of a cult, warned the audience that the Krishnas would subtly beguile area youths into joining their sect.

"Why do they need a walled city, to keep their devotees in or to keep the parents out?" Fetterolf asked.

Borough solicitor John Brazil reassured the crowd that the park's commercial zoning bars any church or religious commune at the site. But many in the audience expressed doubt that the zoning regulations would keep the Krishnas out. From "The Krishnas: It's sour music up in Moosic," by Jeff Pillets, the WilkesBarre Times, February 4, 1988, p. 1 A.

Petition Charges Hare Krishnas with Abuse (p. 11) A petition filed in the West Virginia Supreme Court charges that children at the Hare Krishna commune of New Vrindaban have been subjected to sexual abuse and forced into communal marriages. Christina Mills, a former devotee who filed the petition, claims her children are in danger at the commune. From "Court hears allegations of Krishna child abuse," The Washington Times, March 3, 1988, p.A7.

July/August

Mother Refused Custody of Krishna Children (p. 8)

Former Hare Krishna member Christina Mills has lost her court bid to gain custody of her three children, who live at the Krishna's New Vrindaban commune in West Virginia with their father, Dennis Gorrick, a sect fundraiser.

Despite recommendation by a family law master that the children, ages 2, 3, and 6, be removed from Gorrick's care, Circuit Judge Steven Narick ruled May 3 that Mills had failed to prove her allegations that the children are exposed to child abuse and other criminal activity at the commune.

The judge added that Mills may still appeal the case to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. From "Mom loses Krishna fight" the San Antonio Light, May 4,1988, p. C3.   

November/December

Extradition Fight in Krishna Murder (P. 8) Lawyers for Hare Krishna devotee Thomas Drescher, now serving a life term in West Virginia for the murder of another devotee, asked the West Virginia Supreme Court to deny a California request to extradite Drescher to face trial for the 1986 murder trial of a disgruntled member of the sect. Drescher's lawyers argue that there is no proof that Drescher was in California at the time of the murder. Wheeling, WV Post Intelligencer, 9/3/86, P. 11.   

International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001

Hare Krishna: news articles 1988

ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1988

January/February  

Hare Krishna Devotees Arrested in Moscow (p. 16) Police in Moscow forcibly broke up an August 29 demonstration by about 20 Hare Krishna activists, who were pushed into a police bus after they assembled in a small park on Gorky Street opposite City Hall to press for official recognition as a religious group. 

Soviet officials have accused the Hare Krishnas of being "anti-Communist" and a tool of the American CIA. Hare Krishna spokesmen have denied the charges. 

A group known as the Committee to Free Soviet Hare Krishnas, based in Stockholm and headed by D.V. Jakupko, said early in 1986 that 25 Hare Krishna members in the Soviet Union were either in prison or psychiatric hospitals because of their beliefs.  From "Moscow Police Break Up Hare Krishna Gathering," the Los Angeles Times, August 30, 1987 

Krishna Leader Cleared of Arson Charge; Follower Guilty (p. 6) A U.S. District Court jury in West Virginia December 15 found Hare Krishna devotee Thomas Drescher guilty of burning an apartment building near the sect's New Vrindaban commune to collect $40,000 in insurance. 

But the jurors found New Vrindaban's leader, Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, innocent of arson, conspiracy, and mail fraud.

Drescher's lawyer said he would appeal his client's conviction on charges of malicious burning. The charge carries a possible 10-year prison term and a $10,000 fine. Dreshcer was cleared of conspiracy and mail fraud charges. 

U.S. Attorney William Kolibash said his office's wide-ranging investigation of the New Vrindaban community will continue. From "Krishna leader cleared of arson charges," the Boston Globe, December 16,1987 

Various Sites Proposed for Hare Krishnas' "City of God" (p. 7) The eastern Pennsylvania town of Jim Thorpe is dismayed at the prospect of a Hare Krishna "City of God" in its midst. Residents fear sect members will try to convert local youth and turn the area into a haven for panhandling.  Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, leader of the sect’s New Vrindaban, WV, community, envisions a walled city that will be a "bastion that stands for fortification of religion, decency, purity and love of God." 

Various sites, including New Vrindaban itself, have been proposed for the city. The Hare Krishnas are said to favor the Jim Thorpe site because of its proximity to other Krishna communities. But a Krishna spokesman said Bhaktipada had chosen a 300-acre site near Trenton, NJ, because of its historical significance.

The completed city would enclose 280 acres, and would shelter 12,000 people inside its walls and another 30,000 outside. The compound would include gardens and a gilded palace, a huge temple surrounded by 16 satellite temples, and a bomb shelter stocked with provisions for 30 days. 

Bhaktipada reportedly wants to hire New York mega-developer Donald Trump to build the city. 

"The swami is big enough to talk to Donald Trump," said Sanatha Dasi, a former New York resident who is serving as the projects architect. "The question is, is Donald Trump big enough to talk to Swami?" From "City fears Krishna community," the Tribune [Mesa, AZ], November 22, 1987, and "Hare Trumpna," the New York Post, November 14, 1987, p. 4  

March/April

 Hare Krishna Solicitors Arrested for Trespassing (p. 9)

Two Hare Krishnas seeking financial support for their cause were arrested in the University of Pennsylvania Quadrangle two weeks ago for trespassing. The two have been linked to the Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban, in Moundsville, WV, which has been the subject of state and federal investigations of alleged illegal activities including sexual assault on children resident in the commune and copyright infringements in connection with sales of items to the public.

The Krishna solicitors said they were collecting donations for the group's program that allegedly provides food for poor people in West Virginia, a claim denied by Detective Sergeant Thomas Westfall, of Marshall County, WV.

University Public Safety Sergeant Thomas Messner said that a similar Krishna group was soliciting on campus last year, but using a different name. From "Krishna cult tied to murders, deceitful fundraising," by Kristine Butler, and "U. prohibits soliciting, peddling in residences," by Kristine Butler, The Daily Pennsylvanian, January 25, 1987.

Krishna Murder From the FAIR NEWS, January 1988 (p. 15) A Hare Krishna follower is being questioned about the murder of a fellow devotee whose headless body was found in a store in the London area. The victim was James Immel, an American, who had been the British leader of ISKCON from 1979 to 1982, when he had reportedly left the movement with several other disenchanted members. 

Pennsylvania Residents Oppose Krishnas' Park Purchase (p. 10) Residents of Moosic, PA, are up in arms over reports that the Hare Krishnas are considering the purchase of Rocky Glen Park amusement complex when its lease expires in July. The Krishnas would like to build a walled "City of God" on the site.

At a public meeting February 3 nearly a thousand local residents voiced their protests, and 700 signed petitions opposing the sale. The meeting was called after borough council president Joseph Mercatili was told by Rocky Glen owner Marvin Roth that someone was interested in buying the park. Mercatili said Roth "seemed hesitant' to disclose the identity of the prospective buyer.

Scranton resident Donald Fetterolf, whose son, Eric, was once a member of a cult, warned the audience that the Krishnas would subtly beguile area youths into joining their sect.

"Why do they need a walled city, to keep their devotees in or to keep the parents out?" Fetterolf asked.

Borough solicitor John Brazil reassured the crowd that the park's commercial zoning bars any church or religious commune at the site. But many in the audience expressed doubt that the zoning regulations would keep the Krishnas out. From "The Krishnas: It's sour music up in Moosic," by Jeff Pillets, the WilkesBarre Times, February 4, 1988, p. 1 A.

Petition Charges Hare Krishnas with Abuse (p. 11) A petition filed in the West Virginia Supreme Court charges that children at the Hare Krishna commune of New Vrindaban have been subjected to sexual abuse and forced into communal marriages. Christina Mills, a former devotee who filed the petition, claims her children are in danger at the commune. From "Court hears allegations of Krishna child abuse," The Washington Times, March 3, 1988, p.A7.

July/August

Mother Refused Custody of Krishna Children (p. 8)

Former Hare Krishna member Christina Mills has lost her court bid to gain custody of her three children, who live at the Krishna's New Vrindaban commune in West Virginia with their father, Dennis Gorrick, a sect fundraiser.

Despite recommendation by a family law master that the children, ages 2, 3, and 6, be removed from Gorrick's care, Circuit Judge Steven Narick ruled May 3 that Mills had failed to prove her allegations that the children are exposed to child abuse and other criminal activity at the commune.

The judge added that Mills may still appeal the case to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. From "Mom loses Krishna fight" the San Antonio Light, May 4,1988, p. C3.   

November/December

Extradition Fight in Krishna Murder (P. 8) Lawyers for Hare Krishna devotee Thomas Drescher, now serving a life term in West Virginia for the murder of another devotee, asked the West Virginia Supreme Court to deny a California request to extradite Drescher to face trial for the 1986 murder trial of a disgruntled member of the sect. Drescher's lawyers argue that there is no proof that Drescher was in California at the time of the murder. Wheeling, WV Post Intelligencer, 9/3/86, P. 11.   

International Cultic Studies Association
 Department: Group Report - Hare Krishna

Vol. 1, No. 1, 2001

Hare Krishna: news articles 1988

ISKCON in the News Articles from the Cult Observer 1984-1999 

1988

January/February  

Hare Krishna Devotees Arrested in Moscow (p. 16) Police in Moscow forcibly broke up an August 29 demonstration by about 20 Hare Krishna activists, who were pushed into a police bus after they assembled in a small park on Gorky Street opposite City Hall to press for official recognition as a religious group. 

Soviet officials have accused the Hare Krishnas of being "anti-Communist" and a tool of the American CIA. Hare Krishna spokesmen have denied the charges. 

A group known as the Committee to Free Soviet Hare Krishnas, based in Stockholm and headed by D.V. Jakupko, said early in 1986 that 25 Hare Krishna members in the Soviet Union were either in prison or psychiatric hospitals because of their beliefs.  From "Moscow Police Break Up Hare Krishna Gathering," the Los Angeles Times, August 30, 1987 

Krishna Leader Cleared of Arson Charge; Follower Guilty (p. 6) A U.S. District Court jury in West Virginia December 15 found Hare Krishna devotee Thomas Drescher guilty of burning an apartment building near the sect's New Vrindaban commune to collect $40,000 in insurance. 

But the jurors found New Vrindaban's leader, Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, innocent of arson, conspiracy, and mail fraud.

Drescher's lawyer said he would appeal his client's conviction on charges of malicious burning. The charge carries a possible 10-year prison term and a $10,000 fine. Dreshcer was cleared of conspiracy and mail fraud charges. 

U.S. Attorney William Kolibash said his office's wide-ranging investigation of the New Vrindaban community will continue. From "Krishna leader cleared of arson charges," the Boston Globe, December 16,1987 

Various Sites Proposed for Hare Krishnas' "City of God" (p. 7) The eastern Pennsylvania town of Jim Thorpe is dismayed at the prospect of a Hare Krishna "City of God" in its midst. Residents fear sect members will try to convert local youth and turn the area into a haven for panhandling.  Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada, leader of the sect’s New Vrindaban, WV, community, envisions a walled city that will be a "bastion that stands for fortification of religion, decency, purity and love of God." 

Various sites, including New Vrindaban itself, have been proposed for the city. The Hare Krishnas are said to favor the Jim Thorpe site because of its proximity to other Krishna communities. But a Krishna spokesman said Bhaktipada had chosen a 300-acre site near Trenton, NJ, because of its historical significance.

The completed city would enclose 280 acres, and would shelter 12,000 people inside its walls and another 30,000 outside. The compound would include gardens and a gilded palace, a huge temple surrounded by 16 satellite temples, and a bomb shelter stocked with provisions for 30 days. 

Bhaktipada reportedly wants to hire New York mega-developer Donald Trump to build the city. 

"The swami is big enough to talk to Donald Trump," said Sanatha Dasi, a former New York resident who is serving as the projects architect. "The question is, is Donald Trump big enough to talk to Swami?" From "City fears Krishna community," the Tribune [Mesa, AZ], November 22, 1987, and "Hare Trumpna," the New York Post, November 14, 1987, p. 4  

March/April

 Hare Krishna Solicitors Arrested for Trespassing (p. 9)

Two Hare Krishnas seeking financial support for their cause were arrested in the University of Pennsylvania Quadrangle two weeks ago for trespassing. The two have been linked to the Hare Krishna community of New Vrindaban, in Moundsville, WV, which has been the subject of state and federal investigations of alleged illegal activities including sexual assault on children resident in the commune and copyright infringements in connection with sales of items to the public.

The Krishna solicitors said they were collecting donations for the group's program that allegedly provides food for poor people in West Virginia, a claim denied by Detective Sergeant Thomas Westfall, of Marshall County, WV.

University Public Safety Sergeant Thomas Messner said that a similar Krishna group was soliciting on campus last year, but using a different name. From "Krishna cult tied to murders, deceitful fundraising," by Kristine Butler, and "U. prohibits soliciting, peddling in residences," by Kristine Butler, The Daily Pennsylvanian, January 25, 1987.

Krishna Murder From the FAIR NEWS, January 1988 (p. 15) A Hare Krishna follower is being questioned about the murder of a fellow devotee whose headless body was found in a store in the London area. The victim was James Immel, an American, who had been the British leader of ISKCON from 1979 to 1982, when he had reportedly left the movement with several other disenchanted members. 

Pennsylvania Residents Oppose Krishnas' Park Purchase (p. 10) Residents of Moosic, PA, are up in arms over reports that the Hare Krishnas are considering the purchase of Rocky Glen Park amusement complex when its lease expires in July. The Krishnas would like to build a walled "City of God" on the site.

At a public meeting February 3 nearly a thousand local residents voiced their protests, and 700 signed petitions opposing the sale. The meeting was called after borough council president Joseph Mercatili was told by Rocky Glen owner Marvin Roth that someone was interested in buying the park. Mercatili said Roth "seemed hesitant' to disclose the identity of the prospective buyer.

Scranton resident Donald Fetterolf, whose son, Eric, was once a member of a cult, warned the audience that the Krishnas would subtly beguile area youths into joining their sect.

"Why do they need a walled city, to keep their devotees in or to keep the parents out?" Fetterolf asked.

Borough solicitor John Brazil reassured the crowd that the park's commercial zoning bars any church or religious commune at the site. But many in the audience expressed doubt that the zoning regulations would keep the Krishnas out. From "The Krishnas: It's sour music up in Moosic," by Jeff Pillets, the WilkesBarre Times, February 4, 1988, p. 1 A.

Petition Charges Hare Krishnas with Abuse (p. 11) A petition filed in the West Virginia Supreme Court charges that children at the Hare Krishna commune of New Vrindaban have been subjected to sexual abuse and forced into communal marriages. Christina Mills, a former devotee who filed the petition, claims her children are in danger at the commune. From "Court hears allegations of Krishna child abuse," The Washington Times, March 3, 1988, p.A7.

July/August

Mother Refused Custody of Krishna Children (p. 8)

Former Hare Krishna member Christina Mills has lost her court bid to gain custody of her three children, who live at the Krishna's New Vrindaban commune in West Virginia with their father, Dennis Gorrick, a sect fundraiser.

Despite recommendation by a family law master that the children, ages 2, 3, and 6, be removed from Gorrick's care, Circuit Judge Steven Narick ruled May 3 that Mills had failed to prove her allegations that the children are exposed to child abuse and other criminal activity at the commune.

The judge added that Mills may still appeal the case to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. From "Mom loses Krishna fight" the San Antonio Light, May 4,1988, p. C3.   

November/December

Extradition Fight in Krishna Murder (P. 8) Lawyers for Hare Krishna devotee Thomas Drescher, now serving a life term in West Virginia for the murder of another devotee, asked the West Virginia Supreme Court to deny a California request to extradite Drescher to face trial for the 1986 murder trial of a disgruntled member of the sect. Drescher's lawyers argue that there is no proof that Drescher was in California at the time of the murder. Wheeling, WV Post Intelligencer, 9/3/86, P. 11.