
The 16 members of a breakaway Amish group accused of beard- and hair-cutting attacks against members of their own faith are scheduled to go on trial in Cleveland this week.
Jury selection for the trial is scheduled to begin 9 o'clock Monday morning.
The group's leader and several family members are among those charged with hate crimes in what prosecutors say were attacks motivated by religious differences.
The group split from another Amish settlement in Ohio nearly two decades ago following a dispute over religious differences.
Those charged argue that the government shouldn't get involved in what they call internal church disciplinary matters. The group's leader denies ordering the hair-cutting but he says he didn't stop anyone from carrying it out and defends punishing people who break church laws.
The group could face prison terms of 20 years or more if convicted.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
![]() ![]() |
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTRF. All Rights Reserved.For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. |