An Australian policeman has been suspended over claims he tried to perform an exorcism on a teenage boy, a report said Tuesday.

The senior constable was charged with false imprisonment and aggravated assault over the incident, which took place at a Lutheran church camp in April, the Adelaide Advertiser newspaper said.

Police confirmed charges had been laid, but refused to comment further.

"We are not making any comment other than that obviously, because the matter's before the court. He has been arrested and charged," a spokesperson told AFP.

The 28-year-old policeman, who was off-duty at the time, was among three adults who allegedly restrained the 15-year-old and tried to perform the exorcism after he complained of stomach pains, the Advertiser said.

A spokesperson for the Lutheran church said it did not "endorse or encourage any actions which are abusive or which results in the limitations or freedoms of any individual."

Join our Facebook fan page Follow us on Twitter

AFP

RSS
Digg
de.li.cious
facebook
It's JZ, leave a message... Jacob Zuma "Hi, this is Zuma. You know what to do. No, no... not the machine gun. Leave a message..."
Finding love in Zululand Mnqobokazi Susan Pletts ventures into Zululand and discovers that SA's hidden treasures are its people.
Visit our politics page Jacob Zuma supporters Need the latest political news, features, interviews and profiles? Visit our dedicated page...