CCHR Hosts DC Exhibit for International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment

Washington, DC — The Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) hosted a public educational exhibit in observance of the International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment on May 15, 2026, at the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC, located just six blocks from the White House.

The event featured the CCHR Mobile Exhibit, a multimedia public information installation designed to raise awareness of human rights issues in the field of mental health and psychiatry. Throughout the afternoon, visitors toured the exhibit, viewed educational documentary materials and engaged with volunteers about CCHR’s work to expose psychiatric abuse and advocate for legal protections for patients worldwide.

“The purpose of the event was to observe the International Day of Protest Against Shock Treatment while increasing public awareness of Citizens Commission on Human Rights and its efforts to restore human rights and dignity to the field of mental health,” said Chas Smith, External Affairs Director for the Founding Church of Scientology of Washington, DC.

The exhibit drew interest from passersby and local residents throughout the day. Organizers noted that several visitors came in directly from the street after noticing the exhibit and spent time learning about CCHR’s campaigns and legislative accomplishments. One attendee expressed appreciation after learning that CCHR has an international presence extending as far as Tel Aviv.

The exhibit included documentary displays, informational panels, educational literature and multimedia presentations highlighting CCHR’s international efforts to investigate psychiatric abuses, support victims and advocate for reforms and patient protections.

The Citizens Commission on Human Rights was established in 1969 by the Church of Scientology and psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz to investigate and expose abuses in the field of mental health and to help enact protections safeguarding individuals from coercive or abusive psychiatric practices.

For more information, visit cchr.org.