Eight Sky Kingdom cult followers charged with deviant teachings

Terengganu, Malaysia - Eight women followers of the Sky Kingdom cult claimed trial at the Besut Syariah Lower Court here for not adhering to a state fatwa which declared the teachings of the group as deviant.

Judge Wan Abdul Malik Wan Sidek ruled that they be held at the police lockup until their cases were re-mentioned next Thursday. The eight were the first batch of 28 women who had their pleas taken in the court Thursday.

Prosecuting Officer Mustafar Hamzah requested that no bail be allowed as the detainees were followers of deviant teachings which was a serious matter.

One of the detainees had pleaded for bail saying that she had to take care of her children but the judge did not allow it.