Google U-turn in Scientology row

Google has been forced to reinstate a link to an anti-scientology website following pressure from free speech advocates.

On Wednesday the search engine removed links to xenu.net in what it claimed was a response to a copyright infringement claim by lawyers representing the Church of Scientology.

But by Thursday the link to the site was restored just before Google was due to meet with free speech activists who were concerned about the reason for the removal of the links.

Xenu.net's definition of Scientology is rather contentious and reads: "The Church of Scientology is a vicious and dangerous cult that masquerades as a religion. Its purpose is to make money.

"It practices a variety of mind-control techniques on people lured into its midst to gain control over their money and their lives. Its aim is to take from them every penny that they have and can ever borrow and to also enslave them to further its wicked ends.