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Luc Jouret and Joseph Di Mambro co-founded the Order of the Solar Temple in Geneva Switzerland
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53 members of the cult died in apparent mass suicides or murders in two Swiss villages, Granges-sur-Salvan and Cheiry. The bodies were discovered in burned buildings, arranged in ritualistic manners. -
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In December 1995, another 16 members of the cult died in a mass suicide in a remote area of Quebec, Canada. The bodies were found arranged in a star formation, with children among the victims.
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The cult's leaders, Luc Jouret and Joseph Di Mambro, were among the dead in the 1994 Swiss incidents. Investigations revealed financial fraud and manipulation of members by the leaders. -
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In March 1997, five more members of the Solar Temple cult died in a mass suicide in Saint-Casimir, Quebec, Canada. This incident led to increased scrutiny of the cult and its activities.
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Following the tragedies of the 1990s, the Order of the Solar Temple largely faded from public view. However, the cult's legacy continued to be studied by scholars and law enforcement agencies as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremist beliefs and charismatic leadership. The Order of the Solar Temple's history is marked by secrecy, manipulation, and tragedy, leaving a dark legacy that serves as a reminder of the dangers of cults and extremist ideologies.