French police apprehend Gregorian Bivolaru, the leader of a controversial yoga sect, along with 40 of his followers, following allegations of abuse, rape, human trafficking, and kidnapping.
In a dramatic turn of events, French authorities have arrested Gregorian Bivolaru, a fugitive yoga sect leader, and dozens of his followers. The group, known as Misa or Atman, has come under scrutiny for alleged criminal activities, prompting a thorough investigation by French prosecutors. The arrests were conducted during a series of morning raids, with police uncovering shocking conditions in which women were being held. This article delves into the details surrounding the case, shedding light on the accusations against Bivolaru and the practices of the sect.
The Investigation and Arrests
French prosecutors initiated an investigation into the yoga sect in July, following reports of abuse, rape, human trafficking, and kidnapping. The allegations raised concerns about the well-being of the group’s members, particularly women who were reportedly being held against their will. The raids, carried out by 175 officers, targeted various branches of the sect, resulting in the arrest of Bivolaru and 40 of his followers.
Uncovering Deplorable Conditions
During the raids, police made a shocking discovery – 26 women being held in “deplorable conditions.” These findings, reported by AFP news agency, highlight the alleged mistreatment and abuse suffered by members of the sect. The women’s testimonies, along with complaints from victims, prompted the French authorities to take swift action against the group.
Gregorian Bivolaru’s Troubled Past
This is not the first time Bivolaru has faced legal troubles. In 2004, he was arrested in Romania for engaging in sexual activities with a minor. He was subsequently convicted in absentia in 2013. After three years of extradition proceedings, Bivolaru was finally brought back to Romania to serve his sentence. However, he managed to flee the country in 2017 while on conditional release. Finland also seeks his arrest on suspicion of human trafficking.
The Rise and Controversies of Misa/Atman
Bivolaru founded Misa, the Movement for Spiritual Integration into the Absolute, in Romania during the 1990s. The organization later expanded beyond Romania, adopting the name Atman and promoting “erotic tantric yoga.” With schools in nearly 30 countries, the group attracted followers who sought spiritual enlightenment. However, former members have come forward with allegations of sexual coercion, forced sexual activities among members, and financial exploitation at the hands of Bivolaru.
Denials and Allegations
Bivolaru has consistently denied any involvement in criminal activities, dismissing the accusations as baseless. The website for the Atman International Federation for Yoga and Meditation has labeled some of the past allegations as “fabricated facts.” Nevertheless, testimonies from former members and the evidence uncovered during the raids have cast a shadow of doubt on the sect’s practices.
Conclusion:
The arrest of Gregorian Bivolaru and the subsequent raids on his yoga sect have shed light on the alleged abuses and criminal activities within the group. French authorities, acting on complaints from victims, have taken decisive action to bring justice to those affected. As the investigation unfolds, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse. The outcome of this trial will not only determine the fate of Bivolaru and his followers but also serve as a precedent for tackling similar cases in the future.
Leave a Reply