First came the seizures and sleep paralysis. Then came the hallucinations and violent behaviour. Anneliese Michel made endless visits to doctors and specialists only to be either referred to another doctor or placed on medication that wasn’t helping her.

Her condition became so bad that at times she started to growl and speak in a horrific deep voice, destroy religious objects and complain religious sites like churches were too painful for her to go near. She convinced her parents and several priests she was possessed by demons. It led to the Catholic church making the unusual decision to grant two priests permission to perform an exorcism ritual.

But was Anneliese really possessed by demons? The medical community doesn’t think so. They were certain of what Anneliese was suffering from, even though they couldn’t diagnose her properly whilst she was alive.

Four people were eventually charged with negligent homicide after her death. The trial that followed was described as the biggest criminal trial in Germany, outside of the Nazi war crime trials.

The story of Anneliese Michel is as heartbreaking as it is horrific. Incredibly, some of the exorcism rituals were recorded. The tapes were never allowed to be played in court…. but they will be played during this episode.

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Our episodes deal with serious and often distressing incidents. If you feel at anytime you need support, please contact your local crisis centre. Some suggestions for confidential support for men, women and children:

AUSTRALIA:

Lifeline Crisis Support: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: Depression and anxiety support: 1300 22 46 36

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Headspace: Youth Mental Health Foundation: see headspace.org.au for your local centre

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Distress &  Lifeline: 1800 273 8255

Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741 741

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MTC program: maketheconnection.net/resources/spread-the-word

UK:

Mind: mental health support: 0300 123 3393

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Samaritans support network: 116 123

National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300

CANADA:

For a list of Canadian crisis centres: https://thelifelinecanada.ca/help/call/

NEW ZEALAND:

Lifeline: 0800 543354

Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Text 4202)

CREDITS

EPISODE RESEARCH AND NARRATION:

Episode researched and narrated by Anonymous Host

MUSIC:

‘Flatline intro’ and ‘Come play with me’ intro and outro www.dl-sounds.com

All other music and audio clean up performed by Mike Migas

OTHER:

Logo design by Paulina Szymanska

RESOURCES

BOOK:

Anneliese Michel A true story of a case of demonic possession Germany-1976 – by Lawrence LeBlanc

MOVIE:

The Exorcism of Emily Rose – movie based on this case