- Periods of crisis are traditionally favorable to the development of sectarian discourses.
- The sects have adapted their functioning to the confinement due to the coronavirus, and are targeting the Internet even more than normal.
- Miviludes details their strategies to win over new followers, often weakened by isolation.
Typically, the Interministerial Mission for Vigilance and Combating Sectarian Drifts (Miviludes) receives between 200 and 250 reports per month. Mars is in the lower range, despite the coronavirus epidemic. "We received 35 reports directly related to the health crisis," says Miviludes, interviewed by 20 Minutes .
The gross figure is not considerable, while anxiety-provoking periods have traditionally been favorable to sellers of turnkey solutions. But the truth lies elsewhere than in this observation. More exactly, on the Internet.
"We watch the day before and we see that the delusional speeches are exploding," explains the government agency. People take advantage of this period, when certain people, sometimes already vulnerable, find themselves isolated and therefore even more vulnerable. This will have consequences in a few months. A sort of "second wave", in fact.
A great adaptability
The Miviludes does not (yet?) Necessarily meet newcomers to the world of mental manipulation. “All the movements that we already know and which are worrying have a discourse on the coronavirus. They use this crisis to reinforce their theories, even if it means readjusting them a little. Their speech is: "we told you so!" "
Unable to physically meet their targets, due to confinement, sects adapt. Certain proselytizing movements no longer skim the markets and have stored door-to-door for a while. They are now canvassing or limping, like an election campaign. *
Another opportunistic initiative: so-called therapists offer their services for physical preparation or psychological support.
Breathing methods, fasting for the (too) young…
"We had already seen this after the attacks of November 13, 2015, with traumatized people, resumes Miviludes. We are seeing offers of alternative medicine, work on breathing, since Covid-19 manifests itself by respiratory disorders. In addition, as it appears that diabetes and overweight are aggravating factors, movements sell fasting methods, with internships which are very expensive. The concern is that they even recommend fasting young children, which is very problematic. "
Pseudoscientists also claim that cold baths can help resist coronavirus. And the notions of meditation or personal development are moreover broad enough to sometimes hide disgraceful steps. Another theme in vogue: "divine punishment" against the backdrop of an imminent apocalypse, "by preachers or religious in all forms of faith".
"It is too early to say whether these adaptation strategies will have a broad impact," concedes Miviludes. But it is unfortunately almost certain that the increase in anxiety and isolation or destabilization caused by an unprecedented situation create a breeding ground for conspiratorial discourse and sectarian aberrations. "
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