Sehar Timings Mar 29 - Ramazan 18

Lahore
LHR
04:36 AM
Karachi
KHI
05:12 AM
Islamabad
ISB
04:38 AM
Peshawar
PWR
04:42 AM
Quetta
QTA
05:07 AM

News

Canadian guru charged with sex assault of followers

January 26, 2023 04:51 PM


The self-styled leader of a wealthy spiritual community in Western Canada has been charged with sexually assaulting several of his followers, police in Edmonton said.

John de Ruiter, 63, was arrested and charged Saturday in four cases of sexual assault that allegedly occurred between 2017 and 2020, according to a police statement this week.

"The accused informed certain female group members that he was directed by a spirit to engage in sexual activity with them," police said.

De Ruiter told the women that doing that would help them achieve "spiritual enlightenment," the statement added.

Authorities said they believe there could be other victims and encouraged them to come forward and file a complaint.

Assistants to de Ruiter did not respond to AFP requests for comment. But a spokeswoman, Zaba Walker, told the BBC that de Ruiter "intends to vigorously contest these charges in a court of law."

Between 2007 and 2021 de Ruiter ran an organization called the College of Integrated Philosophy, also known as the Oasis Group.

Since then, the so-called spiritual leader, known for his piercing gaze with which he stares at followers during long minutes of reflection, offers meetings and live streams for the faithful in Edmonton, as well as "spiritual retreats."

De Ruiter was featured in a 2017 article in Canadian newspaper Globe and Mail which highlighted allegations of his sexual activities with multiple devotees.

The man's website says "John did not and does not use sex as a means of control or submission over any person."



Most Read

  1. Man murders young sister by smothering her with pillow in Toba Tek Singh Man murders young sister by smothering her with pillow in Toba Tek Singh
  2. Aitchison College students, parents stage protest against principal’s resignation Aitchison College students, parents stage protest against principal’s resignation
  3. Five Chinese among six killed in Shangla suicide bombing Five Chinese among six killed in Shangla suicide bombing
  4. Sahiba meets her father for the first time Sahiba meets her father for the first time
  5. Maaz Safder regrets 4-year relationship with wife Saba Maaz Safder regrets 4-year relationship with wife Saba
  6. Four terrorists killed as attack on Turbat Naval Base thwarted Four terrorists killed as attack on Turbat Naval Base thwarted

Opinion

  1. IMEC to sabotage CPEC
    IMEC to sabotage CPEC

    By Dr Asif Channer

  2. 1947 TO FORM 47
    1947 TO FORM 47

    By Dr Asif Channer

  3. Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....
    Beijing wants to further highlight industrial sector in its country and take scientific innovation to new heights....

    By Ali Ramay

  4. Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses
    Global race: China will reduce its unnecessary expenses

    By Ali Ramay

  5. Channer Pir: The Great Saint of Cholistan
    Channer Pir: The Great Saint of Cholistan

    By Dr Asif Channer

  6. Literate the Religious Illiterate
    Literate the Religious Illiterate

    By Dr Asif Channer