Prosecutor's Office Requests Over Eight Years in Prison for an Exorcism in Linares
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Jaén has requested that a court sentence a man and his mother to eight years and three months in prison. They are accused of holding a young woman in their home to subject her to an exorcism ritual in the town of Linares. The events occurred in January 2026. 👮♂️
The Facts of the Case
A 25-year-old woman went to the home of a 41-year-old man because he promised to cleanse her of an alleged evil possession. According to the prosecution, instead of helping her, they held her against her will for several hours. During that time, the man beat her and prayed to try to expel what he called demons. His 65-year-old mother actively participated to prevent the young woman from leaving.
The crimes they are charged with:- A crime of unlawful detention for depriving the victim of her freedom.
- A crime of injuries for the physical harm she suffered during the struggle and blows from the ritual.
- A crime against religious feelings due to the nature of the act to which she was subjected without her consent.
The Prosecutor's Office considers it proven that they acted to subject the victim to a ritual of a religious or superstitious nature without her consent.
The Basis of the Investigation
The judicial process is mainly supported by the victim's testimony, who managed to escape and file a complaint. The Civil Guard took her statement and also the evidence from the medical report confirming the injuries. The requested sentence for the son is higher, as he is identified as the material author who carried out the violent acts.
Key Elements of the Case:- The detailed statement of the affected woman.
- The medical evidence corroborating the physical harm.
- The qualification of the facts as an attack on the person's freedom and integrity.
Conclusion of the Process
This case shows an attempt to impose beliefs through coercion and violence. What the main accused may have thought was a vocation has become a serious criminal charge that could lead him to prison. Justice must now evaluate the evidence and issue a sentence. ⚖️