An estimated 90 members of internet-based group Anonymous gathered across the street from the Church of Scientology's Englewood branch, 3385 S. Bannock St., on March 15 to protest what they call the church's history of retaliation against critics and unfair tax exemption. The protest, dubbed "Operation: Party Hard"was part of a second wave in a series of worldwide demonstrations in front of Scientology branches that started on Feb. 10. This month's protest was timed to coincide with weekend celebrations of Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard's March 13 birthday.

Church of Scientology Reverend Patty Allread declined to comment but released a statement calling the group "cyber-terrorists" and said they are "hiding their identities behind masks and computer anonymity." The statement goes on to accuse the movement's leaders of criminal acts including death threats and bomb threats. Anonymous protesters in Englewood contended their actions are peaceful and that the group has no leaders.

Officers with the Englewood Police Department reported no disturbances from the Anonymous protesters or the Scientologists who photographed them from outside their church. The group plans to protest again on April 12 in the same location. Links: Church of Scientology(official site) Operation Clambake(Anonymous has no official site, but often directs people to Operation Clambake to answer their questions.)