German teens storm Scientology centers in viral 'speedrun' trend
A new TikTok trend has seen young people breaking into Scientology centres across Germany. Participants treat the buildings like video game levels, aiming to reach as deep inside as possible. While some call it a protest against the organisation’s practices, others dismiss it as just a joke for online content.
The challenge, known as the 'Scientology Speedrun,' began in Berlin but has now spread to other major cities. The trend started when a group of kids stormed a Scientology centre in Charlottenburg, Berlin. They filmed themselves pushing past security guards, treating the floors like game levels and staff as non-playable characters. A Berlin blogger who organised one of these speedruns later faced police threats of legal action.
Trespassing in Germany can lead to fines or even a year in prison, but that hasn’t stopped the trend from growing. Users on the blogger’s post are now discussing their next target, with some suggesting the German parliament building, the Bundestag.
Scientology, which claims around 3,600 members in Germany, has responded by increasing security at some U.S. branches. The group’s stated mission is to spread its teachings and create 'clears'—individuals it claims are perfected through its methods.
Since the Berlin incident, the trend has reached Stuttgart, Hamburg, and Munich. Participants continue to share videos, though their motives range from activism to simple entertainment. The 'Scientology Speedrun' trend shows no signs of slowing down, despite potential legal consequences. Scientology has tightened security in response, but organisers and participants remain active online.
German authorities have warned that trespassing charges could follow, yet the challenge has already inspired copycat attempts at other high-profile locations.
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