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Miviludes is responsible for receiving reports on groups suspected of sectarian aberrations. The number of reports continues to increase.
In 2021, the Miviludes (Assignment inter-ministerial vigilance and fight against sectarian aberrations) received 4,021 reports, i.e. +33% compared to 2020. The main explanation for this increase is the Covid epidemic. “The health crisis, unprecedented in its scale, has favored the emergence of new movements and individuals wishing to take advantage of people who are isolated, sick or losing their bearings”indicates the institution. Among the new movements, there is the rise of alternative therapies.
The report points the finger at Thierry casasnovaswhich was the subject of 54 referrals in 2021. The naturopath, already targeted by a judicial investigation for illegal practice of the profession of doctor or abuse of weakness, is a follower of fasting and raw vegetable juices to treat diseases, including cancers. The report also targets ecovillages, places of community and self-sufficiency that may present sectarian risks. For instance, One nation was the subject of ten reports in 2021. The movement invites to create communities outside of any state rule. Finally, there are also sectarian movements already known as Jehovah’s Witnesses, Scientology or the Family, a sectarian community living in autarky in the center of Paris.