http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4107524.stm
                            
Crucified nun dies in 'exorcism'
Father Daniel says the nun's death was justified
A Romanian nun has died after being bound to a cross, gagged and left
alone for three days in a cold room in a convent, Romanian police
have said.

Members of the convent in north-west Romania claim Maricica Irina
Cornici was possessed and that the crucifixion had been part of an
exorcism ritual.

Cornici was found dead on the cross on Wednesday after fellow nuns
called an ambulance, according to police.

A priest and four nuns were charged with imprisonment leading to death.

Police say the 23-year-old nun, who was denied food and drink throughout
her ordeal, had been tied and chained to the cross and a towel pushed
into her mouth to smother any sounds.

A post-mortem is to be carried out, although initial reports say that
Cornici died from asphyxiation.

I don't understand why journalists are making such a fuss about this
Father Daniel

Local media reports that the young woman had arrived at the remote
convent three months before, having initially gone there to visit
a friend and opted to stay.

She grew up in an orphanage in Arad, in the west of Romania.

Mediafax news agency said Cornici suffered from schizophrenia and the
symptoms of her condition caused the priest at the convent and other
nuns to believe she was possessed by the devil.

"They all said she was possessed and they were trying to cast out the
evil spirits," police spokeswoman Michaela Straub said.

Father Daniel who is accused of orchestrating the crime is said to be
unrepentant.

"God has performed a miracle for her, finally Irina is delivered from
evil," AFP quoted the priest as saying.

"I don't understand why journalists are making such a fuss about this.
Exorcism is a common practise in the heart of the Romanian Orthodox
church and my methods are not at all unknown to other priests,"
Father Daniel added.

If found guilty of killing Cornici, Father Daniel and the accused nuns
could face 20 years in jail.
--- Platinum Xpress/Win/WINServer v3.0pr5