In a retrial on Wednesday, an Istanbul court handed down an 8,658-year prison term to a Muslim televangelist who surrounded himself with women wearing minimal clothing whom he referred to as “kittens,” according to local media.
Adnan Oktar hosted television shows where he promoted creationism and conservative principles while being surrounded by women who were covered in cosmetics and wearing very little clothing.
The 66-year-old was given a 1,075-year sentence last year for crimes such as sexual assault, sexual abuse of minors, fraud, and attempted espionage in politics and the military.
July 13: Court To Hear Orji Kalu’s Suit Seeking To Stop Retrial
But that ruling was overturned by an upper court.
During the retrial, Istanbul high criminal court sentenced Oktar to 8,658 years in prison on several charges including sexual abuse and depriving someone of their liberty, the Anadolu news agency reported.
The court also sentenced 10 other suspects to 8,658 years in prison each, the agency said.
Oktar, whom critics see as the leader of a cult, gained notoriety for his programmes on the online A9 television channel and had regularly been denounced by Turkey’s religious leaders.
In a major crackdown on his group, he was taken into custody in Istanbul in 2018 as part of a probe by the city’s police financial crimes unit.
AFP
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.