Chinese Girl Dies Following Family's Attempted Exorcism

In Shenzhen, Guangdong province, a young girl died after her family performed rituals intended to exorcise what they believed were evil spirits. The mother and a relative initiated the rituals after the youngest daughter reported feeling possessed, tragically resulting in the death of the eldest daughter.

Ritual Details

During the exorcism attempt, the mother and sister applied pressure to the girl's chest and poured water down her throat in an effort to induce vomiting, believing this would help rid her of the spirits. Unfortunately, the girl lost consciousness and began to bleed from her mouth, passing away the following day. The court determined that her death was a result of negligence rather than intentional harm.

Court Decision

The court sentenced the mother and a family member to a three-year suspended sentence, taking into account their cooperation and expressions of remorse during the investigation. This ruling aimed to balance justice with the psychological factors involved in the case.

Public Reaction

The incident has generated significant discussion on social media, with many advocating for enhanced education and scientific understanding to address superstitious beliefs, particularly when traditional practices pose risks to children's safety.