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This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

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Photo Essay: 'Anonymous' Protest Church of Scientology in Hollywood

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'V' ran amok through the streets of Hollywood today as hundreds of picketers descended on the Church of Scientology complex at Sunset and L. Ron Hubbard Way. | All photos by Tony Pierce

The global day of action was initially announced last month after a video attributed to "Anonymous" coincided with an online effort that managed to temporarily knock out Internet servers belonging to the Church of Scientology.

Another speech by "Anonymous" appeared this weekend in the form of a video press release. Masked protesters responded in great numbers -- this time in real life -- with picket signs in Los Angeles and cities worldwide.

February 10th was chosen specifically because it marks the birthday of Lisa McPherson, who died of a pulmonary embolism in 1995 under the care of a branch of the Church of Scientology.

This tragedy and the ensuing indictments, trials, and settlements emboldened the nascent anti-Scientology movement which today was heard from -- on the streets and in the media -- louder than ever.

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Project Chanology: 'Anonymous' Marches on Hollywood

'V' for Vendetta masks had already sold out by midweek across the Southland. That didn't stop these creative masketeers.

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The CoS is watching... hence the masks

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All Photos by Tony Pierce, used under Creative Commons license.

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