Argentina convicts sect leader and uncovers convent abuse

In Argentina, two significant criminal cases involving religious or cult-like groups have come to light.

Eva Petrona Pereyra, known as ‘Tía Eva’, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison by the Federal Oral Court No. 2 of San Martín. Pereyra, 81, led the Templo Filadelfia in La Matanza, where she was found guilty of heading an illicit association and participating in human trafficking for aggravated labor exploitation. The court also found her responsible for the suppression of identity and the retention of a minor. Other members of the group received various prison sentences ranging from 5 to 21 years.

Separately, details have emerged regarding the Monasterio de las Carmelitas Descalzas in Nogoyá, which inspired the series ‘Cautiva’. Former nun Silvia Graciela Albarenque testified that under the leadership of prioress Luisa Ester Toledo, religious members were held against their will and subjected to physical and psychological punishments. Albarenque reported being held captive for nearly six years starting in 2007. Other victims, including Roxana Andrea Peña, described the environment as ‘an hell on Earth’ involving corporal punishment and confinement.