07 October 2013

Clerics at 18 mosques are caught agreeing to marry off girls of 14: Four imams investigated after undercover operation

More than a dozen Muslim clerics have been caught agreeing to marry off girls as young as 14.

Four imams are now under investigation, after they offered to arrange the illegal ceremonies.

Undercover reporters, posing as the mother and brother of a 14-year-old, contacted 56 mosques across the country and asked clerics to perform an Islamic marriage ceremony, known as a nika.

Imams at 18 mosques agreed – including one who has advised the police.

The preacher was prepared to arrange the nika despite being told that the ‘bride’ was being forced to move in with a man against her wishes. [Daily Mail] Read more