Amish held in hair-cutting attacks
The suspects are reportedly part of the Bergholz clan, an Amish community led by bishop Sam Mullet that was the subject of a disputed child custody raid in 2007, amid allegations of sexual abuse. hair cutting attack men,
Police in Ohio said the attacks, which began about three weeks ago, were apparently in retaliation for the shunning of Mr Mullet by members of the mainstream Amish community. renegades Amish beard, Amish religion,
The two men in police custody were named as Mr Mullet's sons Johnny and Lester.
They were charged with aggravated burglary and kidnapping and were being held in jail in lieu of $250,000 bail, the Wheeling Intelligencer reported.
Another son, Levi, and a fourth person are still wanted in connection with the attacks.
One of the victims in Holmes County described how a gang of between 20 to 30 men dragged him from his house by his beard.
Others said they were accosted inside their homes before their hair was cut off.
The Intelligencer and the Wheeling News-Register quoted local sheriffs as saying the attackers returned to their leader with the hair to prove that his orders had been carried out.
Descendants of 18th century German-speaking immigrants, the Amish are Protestants who shun many modern conveniences, such as driving cars. They regard uncut beards and hair as expressions of faith.
Source: sky
