beard-cutting attacks
Unsure of future, tiny Amish sect clings together after beard-cutting convictions
BERGHOLZ, Ohio (RNS) A month after a federal jury convicted a rogue Amish bishop and 15 followers of hate crimes for beard-cutting attacks, the tiny Amish community here continues on, tightly bonded and unwavering, yet troubled by fears of the future. By John Caniglia.
Amish petition for bail after beard-cutting hate crimes verdict
CLEVELAND (RNS) A federal judge has given defense attorneys until Thursday (Sept. 27) to convince him that nine Amish defendants convicted of hate crimes should not be imprisoned until their sentencing Jan. 24. By James McCarty.
Defense team says ‘compassion’ fueled Amish beard-cutting attacks
CLEVELAND (RNS) Defense lawyers say a compassionate desire to help wayward brethren return to strict Amish ways was what fueled a series of beard-cutting attacks. By James McCarty.
Amish beard-cutting trial attracts international attention
CLEVELAND (RNS) The law of God will collide with the law of man this week in a crowded federal courtroom in Cleveland, where 16 Amish defendants -- 10 men with full beards, six women in white bonnets -- will stand trial on charges related to a series of beard- and hair-cutting attacks against fellow Amish men and women last year. By James F. McCarty.
Judge allows questions on sex practices in Amish beard-cutting case
CLEVELAND (RNS) Federal prosecutors will be allowed to question witnesses about Amish leader Sam Mullet’s sexual activities when the hate-crime trial of Mullet and 15 followers begins next week, a federal judge ruled Monday. By James McCarty.
Amish fringe group wants the word ‘cult’ be banned from hate-crime trial
CLEVELAND (RNS) Members of a fringe Amish group charged with committing hate crimes against fellow Amish have requested that certain words, including "cult," "splinter" and "rogue," be banned from their upcoming trial in U.S. District Court. By Brandon Blackwell.