Ultra-Orthodox family irate after police stop 14-year-old daughter's wedding
Israel Hayom
December 18, 2020
The Jerusalem District Police on Thursday prevented a Haredi family from marrying off their 14-year-old daughter to a 24-year-old man. According to Channel 12 News, the wedding was "stopped at the last minute."
The outlet aired a video of the teen's mother arguing with police officers, saying, "I don't see what the problem is, she's very mature for her age. Besides, what does age have to do with getting married? She needs a mature man, someone who can provide for her.
"I know plenty of girls who got married when they were 15. It happens here [in the ultra-Orthodox community] all the time. Many girls are simply ready for it," she said.
Israeli law bars marriage under the age of 18. The wedding was kept a secret, but eventually, the police were notified – although the report did not mention by whom – and officers rushed to prevent the ceremony.
The teen's parents were arrested and later released on bail. She has been placed in the care of Social Services.
The parents have appealed the decision and claimed no wrongdoing.
"You can't just remove a child from her home like this. Heaven forbid, there's no such thing as boyfriend-girlfriend in secular society? Why is that legitimate?" the mother contended on Channel 12 News.
The police are investigating the mother's claim that other families in her community have married off their underage daughters.
The parents' defense attorney said her client did not know the marriage would be against the law.
"Now that they know, they understand the issue and will not allow the wedding to take place," she said.
2 comments:
I wonder if "I didn't know it was illegal" is a valid criminal defense in Israel. I sort of doubt it.
The wedding was kept a secret? They knew it was illegal.
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