- Title: Trial of Korean family accused of 'exorcism' murder begins in Germany
- Date: 10th October 2016
- Summary: FRANKFURT, GERMANY (FILE - DECEMBER 10, 2015) (REUTERS) VARIOUS EXTERIORS OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL, WHERE THE CRIME ALLEGEDLY TOOK PLACE
- Embargoed: 25th October 2016 11:52
- Keywords: trial exorcism South Korean Frankfurt
- Location: FRANKFURT, GERMANY
- City: FRANKFURT, GERMANY
- Country: Germany
- Topics: Judicial Process/Court Cases/Court Decisions
- Reuters ID: LVA00253FACEF
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: A trial began in Germany on Monday (October 10) of five South Koreans accused of beating to death a 41-year-old female relative in a Frankfurt hotel room last year as a part on an exorcist ritual.
The 45-year-old woman, the victim's cousin, her 22-year-old son, her 19-year-old daughter and two 16-year-old boys, one of whom is the victim's son, are all of Korean nationality and face charges of joint murder.
"They are accused of together cruelly killing the woman on December 5 in a Frankfurt hotel room, in a so-called exorcism," said senior prosecutor Nadja Niesen.
Prosecutors allege the five used massive violence on the victim's neck and chest to "cast out the devils."
They are accused of kneeling on her chest and taking turns to hold and pin her to the ground. To stop her from screaming, they stuffed a towel in her mouth multiple times, as well as a clothes hanger with clothing.
The victim underwent several hours of pain and torture and finally died by suffocation due to massive pressure on her throat and chest, prosecutors said.
The family are reportedly Christian with shamanistic influences, according to German media. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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