Five New Zealanders were convicted of manslaughter in June for the drowning death of their niece in 2007. They were sentenced to community service.
The four sisters and one brother, aged 43 to 53, live in Wainuiomata near the New Zealand capital of Wellington.
The five were convinced that the niece, Janet Moses, 22, was possessed by makutu, a Maori word for evil spirit or witchcraft.
The aunts and uncle poured water in the victim’s nose and mouth for several days trying to drive out the spirit. She drowned.
But despite being convicted of manslaughter by a New Zealand High Court, Justice Simon France sentenced them to community service.
"The accused did what they genuinely thought was right," France said. "I have no doubt they believed that she was possessed by makutu and were trying to help."
Comments
150-300 Hours Community-Service for these crimes !?
Madness.
The Culprits are as insane as the Judge.
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