Muslim woman in UK 'beaten with stick' by family members during brutal 'exorcism'

Asma Hussain was allegedly tied to a bed and covered with holy water after relations became convinced she was possessed by a demon.

Her husband Ahmed Hussain, his son Mohammed Kayes Hussain, 28, daughter Salma, 22, daughter-in-law Halima Khatun, 28, and son-in-law Mohammed Aziz, 21, are now on trial accused of false imprisonment and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

"It appears that members of Asma Hussain's family believed that she was possessed by demons. As a result of this belief, it is alleged that they kept her captive in her own home, tying her to a bed in the living room. They also arranged for an imam to carry out an exorcism on her," the Daily Mail quoted a prosecutor for the case, as saying.

"During the course of the exorcism, she was held down, had water poured all over her and was beaten with a cane. For some unknown reason, it appears the defendants thought that Asma was possessed by a demon," he added.

Hussain's back was described as âone massive bruise' after the cruel and unwarranted attack, in which she also suffered injuries to her face and hands, a UK court heard.