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Trial Begins in Maori Exorcism Death

Woman drowned during ritual to rid her of evil spirits

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 5, 2009 2:45 AM CDT

(Newser) – Nine Maoris accused of killing a mother of two during a botched exorcism have gone on trial in New Zealand, the Daily Telegraph reports. The six women and three men have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter in the death of the 22-year-old woman who drowned when the accused restrained her and poured water down her throat in an indigenous ritual to purge her of evil spirits, said prosecutors.

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The gable of a traditional Maori meeting hall. Defense lawyers for a group of Maoris accused of killing a woman during an exorcism say their clients were only trying to help the woman. (©Steve & Jemma Copley)

Nine people have gone on trial in New Zealand over a death during a Maori "makutu" curse-lifting ceremony. (Shutter Stock)

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Several people also leaned over Janet, placed their mouths over her eyeballs and tried to suck at her eyes in an attempt to remove the curse. - Prosecutor Kate Feltham

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Trial Begins in Maori Exorcism Death