Twente Sect Under Investigation: Decades of Alleged Abuse and a Minister’s Powerless Struggle

The Pater Pio Stichting, a religious group based in Tubbergen, Netherlands, is under investigation following decades of allegations of abuse, including psychological terror, child abuse, and forced participation in exorcisms. The case has garnered national attention, even involving a former Minister of Justice who was unable to help his stepdaughter escape the sect’s influence.

The Sect’s Origins and Beliefs

Founded around the teachings of Trees P., an 85-year-old woman known locally as ‘Bid Trees,’ the Pater Pio Stichting centers on the belief that P. Communicates with the spirit of Padre Pio, an Italian saint, through her rosary. According to reports, ‘De Pater’ (Padre Pio, through P.) dictates all aspects of life within the sect, even down to the smallest details. RTV Oost and Tubantia have been extensively covering the story.

Allegations of Abuse

The sect has a history of legal trouble. In the 1990s, Trees P. And several of her followers were convicted of abuse, including a disturbing incident where a psychiatric patient had “duivelsoren” (devil’s ears) cut off in an attempt to exorcise Satan. NOS Nieuwsuur reports that despite these convictions, the group continued to operate for another thirty years, with allegations of ongoing psychological terror, child abuse, forced participation in exorcisms, and attempts at conversion therapy.

Recent reports detail harrowing experiences of children within the community, including accounts of physical punishment, child labor, and being forced to participate in disturbing rituals. One account describes two young sisters, aged 6 and 8, being made to participate in a “duivelsuitdrijving” (devil’s exorcism) alongside a 14-year-old girl who was naked in the shower, allegedly possessed by the devil.

A Minister’s Frustration

The case gained further prominence with the revelation that Frits Korthals Altes, a former Minister of Justice (who passed away in 2025), was unable to rescue his stepdaughter from the sect. He reportedly “moved heaven and earth” to try and free her, but his efforts were unsuccessful. As he stated, “It says a lot: if even a minister can’t succeed, a normal mortal certainly won’t.”

Current Investigation and Legal Challenges

The municipality of Tubbergen has launched an investigation into the sect, aiming to determine the roles of those involved and prevent future abuses. Members of parliament have likewise demanded clarification on why the sect was allowed to operate for so long despite previous allegations and convictions.

A key challenge in addressing the situation is the existing legal framework, which limits the authorities’ ability to intervene without clear evidence of criminal activity. 1Twente reports that authorities have been largely “powerless” to intervene.

Recent Developments

As of May 2025, the sect reportedly no longer includes families with children. However, many adults continue to seek therapy to cope with the trauma they experienced as children within the Pater Pio Stichting.