French Police Crack Down on Alleged Abuse, Rape, and Human Trafficking in Yoga Sect
French police have apprehended Gregorian Bivolaru, a fugitive yoga sect leader, and 40 of his followers in a series of morning raids. The group, known as Misa or Atman, has been under investigation since July for allegations of abuse, rape, human trafficking, and kidnapping. The arrest comes after reports of deplorable living conditions and the discovery of 26 women being held against their will. Bivolaru, a 71-year-old Romanian, was arrested in the Paris suburb of Ivry-sur-Seine, along with other sect leaders. This incident sheds light on the dark underbelly of the yoga sect and the alleged criminal activities that have plagued its followers.
Allegations of Abuse and Criminal Activities Surface Against the Sect
The French prosecutors initiated an investigation into the yoga sect in July, following reports of abuse, rape, human trafficking, and kidnapping. The allegations made by victims include followers being coerced into performing sexual acts and participating in pornography. The raids, conducted by France’s Central Office for the Repression of Violence against Persons (OCVRP), were prompted by complaints from victims who spoke of women being held against their will. These allegations paint a disturbing picture of the activities carried out within the sect.
Gregorian Bivolaru’s Troubled Past and International Warrants
Gregorian Bivolaru, the 71-year-old Romanian leader of the sect, has a troubled past. In 2004, he was arrested in Romania for having sex with a minor. He was later convicted in absentia in 2013 and was extradited from France three years later. Bivolaru fled Romania in 2017 after being conditionally released. In addition to the charges in Romania, he is also wanted in Finland on suspicion of human trafficking. These international warrants highlight the extent of Bivolaru’s alleged criminal activities and his ability to evade justice.
The Rise and Spread of Misa/Atman: From Spiritual Integration to Alleged Exploitation
Bivolaru founded Misa, the Movement for Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, in Romania during the 1990s. Over time, the group expanded and became known as Atman, spreading its influence to nearly 30 countries. Initially promoting spiritual integration, the sect later shifted its focus to what they called “erotic tantric yoga.” Former members have come forward, detailing their experiences of being forced into sexual acts with each other and with Bivolaru himself. They also revealed the sect’s demand for large sums of money. These revelations expose the stark contrast between the group’s original spiritual intentions and the alleged exploitation of its followers.
Denials and Fabricated Facts: Bivolaru’s Defense and Sect’s Response
Gregorian Bivolaru has consistently denied accusations of criminal activity. The website for the Atman International Federation for Yoga and Meditation, associated with the sect, dismisses past allegations as “fabricated facts.” However, the recent arrests and the discovery of women held in deplorable conditions suggest that there is substantial evidence to support the claims made against the sect. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will shed further light on the truth behind these allegations.
Conclusion:
The arrest of Gregorian Bivolaru and his followers in France has brought to the forefront the alleged abuse, rape, human trafficking, and kidnapping that have plagued the yoga sect known as Misa or Atman. The raids conducted by French police reveal the extent of the criminal activities within the group, with victims speaking out about their harrowing experiences. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with charismatic leaders and the need for vigilance in identifying and addressing abuse within spiritual communities. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will determine the fate of Bivolaru and his followers, while also providing justice for the victims who have suffered at the hands of the sect.
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