Koshis warns of cult threat

JUSTICE Minister Nicos Koshis yesterday pledged the state’s determination to fight and eliminate destructive cults which he claims are increasingly operating on the island.

Cults are a worldwide phenomenon concerning all states and official European bodies, Koshis said.

Koshis was speaking at the end of a seminar held to acquaint civil servants and police force members with the operation and background of dangerous cults.

“Destructive cults hide their real face and present themselves as religious movements, companies, charities, self-help groups, and non governmental organisations aiming to be recognised as advisory bodies,” Koshis said.

“In other words they try to infiltrate all levels of society,” he added.

They use dishonourable means, Koshis said, to impress politicians, and gain access within the state mechanism.

A vast network of organisations which operate in Europe threaten human personality, but especially threaten the youth, Koshis said.

The groups can be separated into several categories: new age, occult, Satanist, and UFO movements.

During the seminar it was also revealed that people and groups who do not possess the proper medical qualifications often provide concoctions made with unknown ingredients, sometimes convincing people to interrupt their traditional therapy or even refuse proper medical treatment.

“The threat exists, therefore it is of outmost importance to deal with the matter seriously,” Koshis said.

“Due to this, we will develop closer co-operation with other European states, aiming at exchanging information and experiences, which will help in preventing the phenomenon,” he said.

“We are determined to combat harmful cults. We have started a struggle against domination of human dignity and freedom, and we shall continue with conscientiously.

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