Sadistic head of polygamous cult in Israel gets 26-year sentence

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Sadistic head of polygamous cult in Israel gets 26-year sentence

(Xinhua) 20:39, October 17, 2013

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An Israeli man, convicted of imprisonment, slavery and sexual abuse of women and children of his cult, was sentenced by the Jerusalem District Court on Thursday to 26 years in prison, a statement by the Court Authority said.

The defendant, whose name is prohibited from being revealed amid protection of his minor victims, perpetrated what the police called "one of the worst abuse cases of its kind," with more than 20 charges against him and his aide.

The cult, lived in Jerusalem and Tiberias in northern Israel, was made out of three men, six women and dozens of children, some of which were the offspring of the defendant.

The defendant had "complete control" over the lives of the group's members, the indictment said, adding he sent the women and children to work as beggars and spread religious pamphlets.

He saw himself as a descendant of a well-known Jewish religious figure, according to the indictment.

He created "laws," and those who violated will receive " exceptional cruel" punishments including violence, starvation, physical and mental abuse, humiliation and others.

The case was brought forward to the police in August 2011, when a woman managed to run away and complain to the authorities.

（Editor：WangXin、Zhang Qian）