A shocking video, in which a teenage girl is subjected to an exorcism ritual, has triggered an investigation in Sibiu County, Romania.
The recording, posted on TikTok, shows a girl of about 14-15 years old forced to repeat prayers and admit to imaginary „wrongdoings,” while an authoritative female voice questions her about the „demons” she is believed to have inside her.
The child cries and appears visibly traumatized throughout the filming.
Public appeals to authorities: "The child is being terrorized!"
The images have sparked waves of outrage in the public space. "We urge the Child Protection Services in Sibiu to take this abusive behavior towards the minor extremely seriously. We call on the authorities in Romania to do their duty. The child is being terrorized! It is not acceptable for such behaviors to still exist in the year 2025!" is the message posted on social media alongside the recording.
In the footage, the girl is coerced into admitting that she "has been bad," that she "did not listen to God," and to recite prayers with tears in her eyes, under the continuous pressure of the female voice in the background.
Sibiu Child Protection confirms investigation
The General Directorate of Social Assistance and Child Protection in Sibiu self-notified following the video's publication and has already launched an investigation.
"We have been notified about this case appearing on the TikTok network. The case is under evaluation, and it has been taken over by our colleagues from the Intervention Service for Abuse and Neglect," DGASPC representatives conveyed to Sibiu Independent.
The town hall of Dumbrăveni, where the incident took place, states that they have been aware of the case for about 10 days and have sent social workers to the scene.
The mayor of Dumbrăveni, Emil Dârloșan, told Ora de Sibiu that the girl's mother is known for such behaviors and has been warned several times.
"We have taken measures. We have filed a request with the Romanian Police. We have been in touch with the Police in Dumbrăveni. We have a social investigation plan. The mother has already been visited by social workers, and she has committed to no longer engage in witchcraft. The girl is between 14 and 15 years old," the mayor specified.
He also mentioned that the mother receives social assistance and puts constant pressure on the child. Although the girl has a mild disability, she is not lacking in discernment, according to local authorities.
The child could be separated from the mother
Authorities are considering, if the mother's behavior persists, the possibility of separating the child from the family.
"I called the Social Assistance girls - they are at the family doctor's office and are now heading to Mrs. S's place. We are monitoring continuously. If this continues at this pace, the child will have to be separated from the mother. Her behavior is unacceptable," stated Mayor Emil Dârloșan to the local press.