Haredi polygamy cultist convicted for slavery and sex abuse
26 years in prison. That is the punishment meted out Thursday morning by the Jerusalem District Court on the head of a "sadistic cult" in the Jerusalem area. He was also ordered to pay NIS 100,000 to his victims. His aide, who was convicted alongside him in court, was sentenced to six years in prison.It's a terrible shame that a few of the wives must be brainwashed enough to keep defending him. Unfortunately, there is such a thing as insanity, which any who would stupidly defend such a repulsive man clearly suffer from too.
In September, the head of the sect and his aide were convicted of sexual offenses, violence, imprisonment in conditions of slavery and abuse of women and dozens of minors – some of whom were biological children of the father of "the family." The father, known as D., and his assistant, were arrested with much publicity two years ago. Twenty charges were filed against the two, and they were convicted of most.
According to the verdict, the "family" consisted of six women and dozens of children. The father persuaded the women to join them peacefully, but once they joined, life became a living hell of horrific violence, and physical, sexual and emotional abuse towards them and their children. Even so, some wives continued to be faithful and denied the charges against him. "There was only love at home," they claimed after the conviction. "It is all lies."
The punitive measures, according to the State Prosecutor's Office, were carried out with unusual cruelty, using harsh violence, imprisonment, starvation, physical and mental abuse and humiliation, including serious sex and violence offenses and keeping the children away from their mothers. Prosecutors claim that the methods of punishment, at times carried out by family members on D.’s orders, were also used against children of the “family.” [...]26 years is not enough. The cult leaders/accomplices should be locked away forever.
The assistant lived in the “family’s” home, and took an active part in the many violent and sexual offenses committed over the years, including imprisonment in conditions of slavery, abuse of minors, false imprisonment, sexual abuse and violence. The other accused took part in committing a violent sexual offense in a single incident.
Update: extra report here.
Labels: haredi corruption, Israel, Jerusalem, misogyny