Anonymous Boston Leader Dude Now Well Known

In the battle of creepiness, the Church of Scientology scored a decisive win against Anonymous, the shady group of internet hackers and hooligans who have spent the past few months protesting the controversial religion.

Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly reports that Gregg Housh, a member of Anonymous, will be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on charges of harassment brought by the Church of Scientology.

Anonymous has become well known for protesting in Guy Fawkes masks, inspired by the comic book and movie V for Vendetta. The group claims that the masks protect members from litigation by the Church, which has been known to use the courts to dissuade opponents.

Housh, a convicted software pirate whose probation has been endangered by the charges, had applied for a permit at City Hall for a protest in front of Scientology's Beacon Street headquarters, unmasking himself.

The harassment charges are based on claims by the Church that Anonymous protesters communicated threats to Church members and that masked protest is not protected speech under the First Amendment. Many lawyers disagree, arguing that the charges against Housh are frivolous. A related trespassing charge against Housh has already been dismissed.

Whether or not you agree with Anonymous, the Church of Scientology is unquestionably the villain and loser in this set piece. Anonymous now has both a martyr and a renewed sense of persecution. Not a good thing, if you like to walk through Beacon Hill or Copley Square without dodging dudes in masks.

[See also: Universal Hub]

Image of Anonymous protest labeled "Bostonist" by Flickr user skepchick.