In a new four-part series, The Sunday Times's Middle East correspondent, Louise Callaghan, tries to get to grips with one of the most bizarre stories she's ever covered.

In January last year, the leader of Turkey's most powerful cult was sentenced to over 1,000 years in prison. But why?

This podcast series will be released every Friday for the next four weeks.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the first of a new four-part series, The Sunday Times's Middle East correspondent, Louise Callaghan, tries to get to grips with one of the most bizarre stories she's ever covered.

In January last year, the leader of Turkey's most powerful cult was sentenced to over 1,000 years in prison. But what happened?

Host: Louise Callaghan, Middles East correspondent at The Sunday Times.

If you, or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the website below has a summary of all available support services:

https://sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/

If you can’t find the information or support you’re looking for above, you can contact Victim Support’s 24/7 support line on 08 08 16 89 111.

Clips: CNN TÜRK, TV100, Anadolu Agency, CBS News, Sky News, A9TV.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the second episode of this four part series, we hear the testimony of a woman who says she was sexually abused by Adnan Oktar. Plus, a former male member of the cult rethinks his own crimes.

In January last year, the leader of Turkey's most powerful cult was sentenced to over 1,000 years in prison. But what happened?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Host: Louise Callaghan, Middle East Correspondent at The Sunday Times.

If you, or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the website below has a summary of all available support services:

https://sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/

If you can’t find the information or support you’re looking for above, you can contact Victim Support’s 24/7 support line on 08 08 16 89 111.

Clips: A9TV, ABC News.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Warning: This episode includes explicit sexual references from the start.

In the third episode of this four part series, a former male member of the cult threatens legal action over his interview. Also, we relive the moment the organisation was finally brought down.

In January last year, the leader of Turkey's most powerful cult was sentenced to over 1,000 years in prison. But what happened?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Host: Louise Callaghan, Middle East Correspondent at The Sunday Times.

If you, or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the website below has a summary of all available support services:

https://sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/

If you can’t find the information or support you’re looking for above, you can contact Victim Support’s 24/7 support line on 08 08 16 89 111.

Clips: Ulusal Kanal.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the final episode of this four part series, we meet those who remain loyal to Adnan Oktar and hear from a British lawyer who was at his trial. 

In January last year, the leader of Turkey's most powerful cult was sentenced to over 1,000 years in prison. But what happened?

This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today and get one month free at: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.

Host: Louise Callaghan, Middle East Correspondent at The Sunday Times.

If you, or someone you know has been affected by the issues raised in this episode, the website below has a summary of all available support services:

https://sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk/

If you can’t find the information or support you’re looking for above, you can contact Victim Support’s 24/7 support line on 08 08 16 89 111.

Clips: Al-Jazeera, CNBC, Sky News, CNN.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.