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In Taiwan, a terminally sick girl misplaced $420,000 to a so-called non secular cult that imposed humiliating acts
A Taiwan girl battling most cancers was duped by a cult, dropping over $420,000 by way of coercive rituals and faux “non secular development” classes.(Representational picture/Pexels)
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According to a report by South China Morning Post (SCMP), the girl, surnamed Wang, who was battling terminal most cancers, was subjected to humiliating and exploitative rituals below the guise of non secular improvement.
Her ordeal started in August 2013, when she joined a “non secular development course” led by two girls, surnamed Zhang and Chen. Her son additionally joined in April 2021. Participants have been reportedly pressured to carry out degrading acts similar to kneeling by roadsides, licking others’ toes, and enduring bodily punishment within the identify of purification.
Forced marriages and coercion
In probably the most disturbing incidents, Wang and her son have been coerced into same-sex marriages in 2021, solely to be pressured to divorce their companions the next 12 months. One feminine participant recalled being overwhelmed till she agreed to divorce her husband earlier than being made to marry Wang.
To keep management, the cult leaders allegedly used concern and manipulation. Chen reportedly warned Wang: “You are going to die, even the gods can’t prevent. Ultimately, your loved ones will probably be torn aside, demise is inevitable and you’ll die with resentment, unable to shut your eyes, unable to be reincarnated.”
Financial exploitation below menace
The group demanded exorbitant sums from its members. According to SCMP, members who needed to develop into “Energy Purification Masters” needed to pay NT$2 million (US$65,000). Those who disobeyed directions have been fined, together with NT$1,000 (US$32) for lacking a telephone name.
Fearing her most cancers would worsen if she disobeyed, Wang complied and continued attending lessons till March 2023. Over the years, she paid NT$6.8 million (US$222,000), whereas her son contributed NT$6.5 million. To fund these calls for, the son even bought their household residence.
Legal battle and compensation
It was solely in April 2024 that Wang and her son realised that they had been defrauded after consulting authorized specialists. They filed a lawsuit in search of compensation from Zhang and Chen.
During the proceedings, the 2 leaders defended themselves by claiming that the household had voluntarily attended lessons for ten years and that non secular outcomes couldn’t be scientifically confirmed. However, the court docket dominated in favour of Wang and her son, ordering the ladies to collectively pay NT$13.3 million (US$434,000) in damages.
As SCMP reported, it stays unclear whether or not Zhang and Chen have confronted any prison expenses following the decision.
