Investigators to probe work of religious organization in Ufa
UFA. May 12 (Interfax) - A criminal case has been opened in Bashkortostan base don the creation of a religious organization called Ancestors' Path, which used non-traditional medicine, the press service for the republic's prosecutors reported on Monday.
Investigators have determined that the religious association, which was located in Ufa, treated patients with "holy" water, flogging, prayers, and people were also offered pilgrimage to Kazakhstan. The leaders of the religious organization said that after visiting holy places in Kazakhstan people will be able to diagnose people and cure people.
"The leaders of the organization, who had no license to engage in medical activities, diagnosed their patients with chronic and incurable diseases without any tests," the report says.
Patients were threatened that their relatives will suffer if they refuse treatment.
Ancestors' Path also broadly used the practice of collecting donations for the organization's needs.
A criminal case has been opened on the basis of Part 1 of Article 239 of the Russian Criminal Code (creation of a religious association whose activities involve violence against citizens or other infliction f damage to their health).
A lawsuit has been filed seeking the closure of the organization.
