Behind the guarded gates of Scientology’s base

Welcome to the Church of Scientology’s compound, known as Gold Base — come inside and pledge allegiance for 1bn years (obligatory) and dare to escape this heavily guarded fortress, protected by razor-tipped wire fences, motion sensors, and a bunker.

Disobedience, even for such crimes as looking at someone the wrong way, is punishable with 18-hour working days. Or beatings, allegedly, in one of two punishment-designated trailers nicknamed The Hole.

The California headquarters of the Church of Scientology, also known as Sea Org, has been grabbing the headlines this week following news of a divorce action taken by actress Katie Holmes against Hollywood heavyweight Tom Cruise.