A polygamous sect embroiled in controversy and alleged illicit activities.
The Kingdom of Pineal, operating out of Oliveira do Hospital, Portugal, has garnered attention and scrutiny due to its unusual practices, beliefs, and alleged illicit activities. Founded on a parcel of land owned by Pione Sisto, the sect has been living in this location since 2020, drawing individuals interested in its unique lifestyle and spiritual beliefs. The group, which practices polygamy, has faced controversy, particularly following the death of a 14-month-old baby born within the community, raising questions about its practices and the well-being of its members.
The sect’s beliefs and lifestyle choices have been the subject of investigation by authorities, especially after concerns were raised regarding the health and safety of its members. One notable aspect of the Kingdom of Pineal is its engagement with agriculture, specifically the cultivation of marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms, which has been openly admitted by the group’s mentor and leader. This admission came amid a wider investigation into the group’s activities by the Judicial Police (PJ) and the Coimbra District Attorney’s Office (DIAP), highlighting the complex legal and social challenges posed by the sect’s operations.
In response to these investigations, there have been personal repercussions for the sect’s leader, whose wife and daughter were taken to a shelter by authorities, raising issues of family separation and the rights of individuals within such communities. The situation underscores the tension between the sect’s pursuit of an alternative lifestyle and society’s regulatory frameworks, particularly concerning the legality of their agricultural practices and the implications for the welfare of its members, especially children.
image via CNN Portugal
