Witnesses narrate alleged starvation, coercion in Mackenzie manslaughter trial
Prosecution witnesses in the manslaughter trial of pastor Paul Mackenzie have testified about alleged starvation and psychological coercion at his church's settlement. Witnesses described being locked in a house without food or water under the guise of religious fasting to reach heaven.
Why it matters
This trial highlights the severe consequences of cult-like religious extremism and the legal challenges in prosecuting leaders for mass-casualty events linked to coercive practices.
Prosecution witnesses have given chilling accounts of alleged starvation, confinement and psychological manipulation in the ongoing manslaughter trial against pastor Paul Mackenzie and five co-accused persons.
The report focuses on court testimony and factual accounts of the proceedings without injecting editorial opinion.
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