A court in Russia has sentenced a cult leader known as ‘Jesus of Siberia’ to 12 years in prison for physically and emotionally harming his followers. The cult leader, whose real name is Sergei Torop, had been leading a cult in Siberia for over two decades. Torop had claimed to be the reincarnation of Jesus Christ and had attracted thousands of followers from across Russia. However, his followers were subjected to physical and emotional abuse, and were forced to work long hours in harsh conditions. Many of his followers were also forced to give up their possessions and money to the cult. The cult was known for its strict rules and regulations, and followers who disobeyed were punished severely. Torop was arrested in 2020 and charged with organizing a religious organization that harmed its members. The court found him guilty and sentenced him to 12 years in prison. The sentence was welcomed by former followers of the cult, who had spoken out about the abuse they suffered. The case has highlighted the dangers of cults and the need for greater regulation and oversight. The Russian government has been criticized for not doing enough to protect citizens from cults and other harmful organizations. The cult’s activities were first exposed in the early 2000s, but it wasn’t until 2020 that Torop was arrested and charged. The investigation into the cult’s activities is ongoing, and it is expected that more people will be charged in connection with the cult. The case has also raised questions about the role of religion in Russian society and the need for greater education and awareness about cults and other harmful organizations. The Russian Orthodox Church has spoken out against the cult, and has called for greater action to be taken to protect citizens from its influence. The case is a significant development in the fight against cults in Russia, and it is hoped that it will lead to greater protections for citizens and more effective regulation of religious organizations. The cult’s followers were mostly from rural areas and were attracted by Torop’s promises of spiritual enlightenment and a better life. However, once they joined the cult, they were subjected to a regime of hard work and strict discipline, and were forced to cut off contact with their families and friends. The cult’s activities were shrouded in secrecy, and it wasn’t until former followers began to speak out that the full extent of the abuse became clear. The case has sent shockwaves through Russian society, and has raised questions about how such a cult was able to operate for so long without being detected.