Morning Buzz: The Church of Scientology: A history of violence

Tonight marks the start of a series looking at allegations of abuse within the Church of Scientology. Pictured: a Scientology bookshop selling works of church founder L. Ron Hubbard.

Clare O'Connor
AC360° Intern

Tonight we begin a four-part investigation into allegations made by a number of former high-ranking members of the Church of Scientology. The allegations are about physical abuse they say took place within the Sea Organization, the international management branch of the Church.

Miscavige vehemently denies these allegations and he has the backing of the Church. Many members have written to us to complain about the series already.

The Church’s spokesman, Tommy Davis, admits there was a history of violence in the Sea Organization, but he blames it on former members who are disgruntled and are the ones making the allegations against Miscavige. There is no real proof offered by either side, but you can make your own assessment when you watch the story this week.

We’re also looking into the deadly explosions that killed at least 38 people at two subway stations in Moscow earlier this morning. Russian investigators believe a group of female suicide bombers – the “Black Widows”, a Chechen separatist group – may have been behind the attacks. Many of these women are said to have had husbands, brothers, fathers or other relatives killed in the Chechnya conflict, a long-running fight for independence in Russia’s northern Caucasus region.

We’re also reporting on the situation in Haiti tonight, talking to actor and activist Sean Penn about the ongoing efforts to stop the spread of communicable diseases. The UN’s latest situation report puts the death toll following the earthquake at more than 200,000. Without clean water and adequate medical supplies, this number is likely to climb. What would you like to ask Sean Penn about the work he is doing in Haiti?

President Obama’s surprise six-hour visit to Afghanistan caused quite a stir over the weekend. During his secret trip to Kabul, Obama met with President Hamid Karzai, urging him to step up the fight against government corruption. What do you think? Will Obama’s visit make a difference in Afghanistan’s efforts to establish a rule of law?

Finally, Ed Lavandera reports from Utah, the latest stop on the Tea Party Express. At the top of the group’s agenda: Firing 30 members of Congress through a recall petition, including Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., who famously led anti-abortion Democrats in opposition to the bill until a last-minute White House deal. Later in the week we’ll take you to Denver, where the Tea Party continues.

What else are you following today? Let us know and see you at 10 p.m. ET.