Mass murders linked to cults around the world

The tragic incident has revived memories of some of the world's worst cases of mass killings linked to cults.

Jonestown, Guyana

More than 900 men, women and children died when American preacher and Peoples Temple leader Jim Jones orchestrated a ritual suicide and mass murder by ordering followers to drink grape juice laced with cyanide at their jungle compound in Guyana in 1978.

Body bags are placed at the scene where dozens of bodies were found in shallow graves in Shakahola village, Malindi, Kenya on April 24, 2023. Photo: AP

The settlement and the cult’s deaths became known worldwide as Jonestown. Although the deaths were initially thought to be mass suicides, survivors said some followers were shot by guards, injected with poison, or forced to drink poisoned water.

The deaths occurred after a visit to the settlement by a San Francisco congressman. As Congressman Leo Ryan prepared to return to the United States with journalists and fleeing believers, they were ambushed en route. Ryan, three journalists and a fleeing believer were killed.

Jones then urged 912 followers to drink wine. The gruesome mass murder ritual was captured on “Death Tape,” a cassette recording allegedly orchestrated by Jones.

US servicemen place bodies in coffins at the airport in Georgetown, Guyana after 900 members of the Peoples Temple committed suicide in Jonestown, Guyana in November 1978. Photo: AP

Waco, Texas

A 51-day standoff between federal agents and members of the Branch Davidians religious group led by David Koresh ended in a massive fire at their ranch just outside Waco, Texas, in 1993. More than 70 people, including Koresh, died inside the compound. Authorities said the Branch Davidians set the fire themselves.

The nearly two-month siege began when agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms attempted to execute a search and arrest warrant at the Mount Carmel Center ranch on February 28, 1993, on suspicion of Koresh possessing weapons.

The failed raid resulted in a shootout that left six people and four agents dead. The FBI and Koresh spent weeks negotiating, during which Koresh allowed some of the women and children to leave. He told federal agents he was waiting for “further guidance from God.”

The FBI eventually led a raid on the ranch on April 19, during which the buildings were burned to the ground. Several people were found shot to death by other members, some died of asphyxiation and smoke inhalation. Koresh was found dead with a gunshot wound to the forehead.

Image of the fire at the Branch Davidian religious complex in Waco, Texas on May 12, 1993. Photo: AP

Cults in Uganda

Authorities initially believed that more than 500 members of a reclusive sect in southwestern Uganda called the Movement for the Restoration of the Ten Commandments had died in a mass suicide in 2000 when their church was torched and they were burned alive.

But when the bodies of six men were found nearby with stab wounds and evidence of strangulation, the case turned into a mass murder investigation. More bodies were also discovered in mass graves at other locations. Ultimately, more than 700 people died in the Kanungu massacres.

It is believed that cult leader Joseph Kibweteere convinced followers to confess their sins and sell their possessions in preparation for the apocalypse on January 1, 2000. When that did not happen, followers became disillusioned. Kibweteere chose a new date for the apocalypse; March 17.

After a party where worshippers feasted on meat and drank Coca-Cola, 530 people died in the cathedral fire. Authorities later discovered that the windows and doors had been sealed shut to prevent anyone from escaping.

The sect’s leaders are also suspected of killing hundreds of followers at other locations by poisoning them. No one has been charged in that case, and Kibweteere disappeared on the day of the church fire.

Mai Anh (according to AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nhung-vu-chet-nguoi-hang-loat-lien-quan-den-giao-phai-tren-the-gioi-post245300.html