“Italy police break up macrobiotics slavery 'sect'” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43407696
所謂modern slavery*1関連の記事。
伊太利警察当局は信者を洗脳し・奴隷化していた「マクロビオティック」の「セクト」を解体したという。
但し、このBBCの報道からは、伊太利のどの地方かとか、「セクト」の規模はどの程度のものだったのかということはわからない。
Police in Italy say they have broken up a "psycho sect" that enslaved members by forcing them to adhere to a strict macrobiotic diet and cut off contact with the outside world.Five people are under investigation over allegations including maltreatment and tax evasion.
Among the suspects is a business mogul who is accused of manipulating followers of the diet he created.
Mario Pianesi reportedly told them that Ma.Pi. would provide miracle cures.
The investigation started in 2013 after a young woman left the sect and denounced its head to police.
They found that as well as having to pay for the diet and give donations, members were coerced into working long hours with next to no pay.
「マクロビオティック」について；
Mr Pianesi, a well-known macrobiotics entrepreneur in Italy, is said to have given long speeches espousing the doctrine of his diet and brainwashing followers.The weight of one woman dropped to 35kg (77lb) as a result of adhering to his rigid regime, local media report.
Investigators said sect leaders specifically manipulated people with mental health problems, persuading them to turn away from traditional medicine.
Developed in the 1920s by a Japanese philosopher called George Ohsawa*2Draws ideas from Zen Buddhism
Focuses on reducing animal products, and choosing organic, locally grown and seasonal produce
Some people only eat whole grains such as brown rice, bean products and fresh fruits and vegetables
Others take a more relaxed approach and eat small amounts of meat, fish or nuts
Also includes lifestyle recommendations, such as only eating when hungry and only drinking when thirsty, and avoiding microwave ovens and electric hobs
Suggests avoiding flavoured, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks
Advocates claim it can help treat or cure cancer. However, Cancer Research UK states that there is no evidence to support this*3
*1:See The Walk Free Foundation(WFF) 2014 Global Slavery Index http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/ http://d3mj66ag90b5fy.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Global_Slavery_Index_2014_final_lowres.pdf Larry Elliott “Modern slavery affects more than 35 million people, report finds” http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/17/modern-slavery-35-million-people-walk-free-foundation-report "What does modern slavery look like?" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36416751 See also http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20141118/1416239649 http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20141210/1418178508 http://d.hatena.ne.jp/sumita-m/20150217/1424186502
*3:Cancer Research UK “Macrobiotic diet” http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/macrobiotic あくまでも「癌」に対する効果を否定しているのであって、「マクロビオティック」そのものを否定するものではない。
