An Istanbul court sentenced an 8,658-year jail to a Muslim preacher who surrounded himself with women wearing scant clothing whom he referred to as “kittens,” according to local media.
Adnan Oktar hosted television shows where he promoted creationism and conservative values while being girdled by women who were covered in makeup and wearing very little clothing.
The 66-year-old was sentenced to 1,075 years behind bars last year for crimes such as sexual assault, sexual abuse of minors, fraud, and attempted political and military espionage.
However, an appeals court overturned that decision.
During the retrial, the Istanbul High Criminal Court sentenced Oktar to 8,658 years in prison on a wide range of charges, including sexual abuse and deprivation of liberty, according to the Anadolu news agency. The court also sentenced ten other suspects to 8,658 years in prison, according to the agency.
Oktar, whom critics see as a cult leader, rose to prominence for his programmes on the online A9 television channel and was frequently condemned by Turkiye’s religious leaders. In a major crackdown on his organisation, he was arrested in Istanbul in 2018 as part of an investigation by the city’s police financial crimes unit.
