Malaysian toddler dies in ‘exorcism’: police

A court in Brussels opened the trial of six people charged in connection with the 2004 murder of a young Muslim woman in a deadly act of exorcism, a practice of evicting demons or other spiritual entities from a person believed to be possessed.
The woman was reportedly deceived into believing that she could not have children because she was possessed and that she had to undergo a practice of exorcism.
An organization which promotes scientific, critical and skeptical thinking is calling for an inquiry to learn just how prevalent exorcisms are in Canada after a news report last week said a church in Saskatoon, Canada, is actively seeking an exorcist.
Church officials says no exorcism took place, and a bishop stated the church recognizes the importance of psychology and medicine to assist those struggling with mental illness.
The father and step-mother of a 14-year-old girl from western Sweden, charged with repeatedly beating and burning the girl because they “thought she was a witch”, were freed of all charges on Tuesday.
The court concluded that the girl’s story wasn’t strong enough to convict the charged four against their “not guilty” plea.
Under the guidance of Bob Larson, who claims to be “the world’s foremost expert on cults, the occult, and supernatural phenomena,” three girls ‘cast out demons’ — for a price.
ABC Nightline says there are very serious questions about the safety and morality of what the girls are doing for others, especially those who might need mental health care.
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has warned about the alarming rise in the number of exorcism attempts in Australia – some on children as young as two.
Dr Choong-Siew Yong, who represents psychiatry on the AMA’s Federal Council, says saying someone was possessed could reinforce their delusions and stop them getting proper care.