'Cursed' woman claims exorcism sex abuse

Brisbane Times, Australia/September 12, 2008

Sydney - Two men have been charged with more than 220 sex offences at prayer sessions of a western Sydney church.


The men, aged 61 and 38, are highly regarded members of the Greek Orthodox and Coptic Orthodox communities, police say.


Police allege the older man claimed to be a spiritual mentor who was able to speak to angels to remove curses and banish evil spirits.

They allege the victim believed she and her family had been cursed by a member of the Greek community practising black magic and that they would all suffer terrible consequences including death and illness unless the curse was removed.


It's alleged she paid the men between $500 and $1,000 for each prayer session and by 2005 had paid at least $70,000.

Fairfield Local Area Commander, Acting Superintendent Gary Bailey, said police could not rule out the possibility there had been other victims.



"Sexual offences are heinous but an offender who hides behind the cloak of religious respectability is particularly vile," Supt Bailey said.



"For that they deserve to be acknowledged."

A 61-year-old man and a 38-year-old man were arrested at their homes this morning.

They were expected to appear at Burwood Local Court later today charged with 151 and 79 sexual offences, respectively.

