Barcelona court tries yoga instructor for sexual abuse and degrading treatment

The Provincial Court of Barcelona is presiding over the trial of a yoga and personal growth instructor, who self-identified as an ‘enlightened master,’ accused of sexual abuse, degrading treatment, and causing injuries to five women.

Prosecutors are seeking a 70-year prison sentence for the accused, who was arrested in La Pobla de Lillet in 2021. The prosecution alleges the defendant used pseudotherapy to target women during periods of emotional vulnerability, such as following breakups or illnesses. According to the indictment, the victims were subjected to humiliating ‘tests,’ including eating food off the floor with hands tied behind their backs and participating in sexual games simulating rape.

The defendant reportedly used individual meditation sessions to gather personal information, which he then used to undermine the victims' autonomy and self-esteem during group retreats. The investigation began after one victim filed a complaint in December 2020, leading four others to come forward.

In a separate case, the Provincial Court of Alicante is also conducting a trial for a 19-year-old man accused of the continuous abuse and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl in Santa Pola. The prosecution is requesting a sentence of 20 years and eight months for crimes including habitual mistreatment, continuous sexual aggression, and psychological injury.