In Brazil, a self-proclaimed folk healer was sentenced to more than 118 years in prison for raping four women. João Teixeira de Faria also known as John of God was sentenced on Friday “in three trials to a prison term of 118 years, six months and 15 days”, a court said center of the Brazilian state of Goiás with. In total, 17 cases were opened against the self-declared medium.
Convicted medium also hosted Oprah Winfrey
The incidents occurred between 2010 and 2017 during spiritual consultations at the João de Deus temple in Abadiânia came about a hundred kilometers from the capital Brasilia it’s far. The 81-year-old man, currently under house arrest, has pleaded not guilty. According to the verdict, João de Deus must now pay the victims compensation equivalent to 19,250 euros each.
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João de Deus became known beyond the country’s borders when he became famous in 2012 American television presenter Oprah Winfrey received in his temple. The self-proclaimed healer received around 10,000 visitors per month, making the city of Abadiânia a tourist attraction for tourists interested in spirituality.
At the end of 2018, however, more than 300 women accused the healer of sexual assault during “spiritual healings”.