Goiás State Attorney Requests John of God's Arrest After Sexual Abuse Allegations

Warrant was requested after multiple women accused the psychic of having molested them

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São Paulo , Brasília and Abadiânia
Psychic John of God appears at his healing center for the first time after sexual abuse allegations - Walterson Rosa/Folhapress

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 ​​After a series of sexual abuse allegations against psychic João Teixeira de Faria, 76, known as João de Deus or John of God, caused the Goiás State Attorney to issue a preventative incarceration request to the state's courts. 

João de Deus's lawyer Alberto Toron confirmed the existence of the request, but that he had yet to see the document. "It is a normal practice for these proceeding to happen within closed doors and no input from the defense team. Anyway, I would still like to reinforce that my client is in Abadiânia at the disposal of the court," he said.

Public Appearance


João de Deus made his first public appearance since the sexual abuse reports this Wednesday (12th). The psychic arrived at about 9:30 am at his spiritual healing center, in Abadiânia, in the interior of Goiás. He was taken to a large hall where his followers were his followers were waiting for him. He then greeted the audience and said he "wanted to comply with Brazilian law."

"I am grateful to God for still being here. I'm still a brother in God. I want to comply with Brazilian law. I am in its hand. João de Deus is still alive," he told his followers. When he left, only ten minutes later, he told reporters that he was innocent of all accusations.

The psychic's appearance caused a visible uproar in the center. Some followers greeted him with applause, while others complained about the presence of reporters. "Respect my father," one of the volunteers asked.

SUICIDE

Activist Sabrina Bittencourt, who first received allegations against João de Deus, claims that one of the medium's victims committed suicide on Wednesday (12).

"She despaired when she saw that he went to the center this morning," she says. Sabrina says she can't release any information on the victim on order from her attorney. "The victim's family never believed in her accounts of abuse. They are all followers."

Translated by NATASHA MADOV

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