Chechen Head Says Bridenapping Must Stop
- 14 years ago
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov says the centuries-old tradition of bride kidnapping must stop, and those who facilitate it will face punishment.
Bride kidnapping: an old tradition in Chechnya.
Men often decide to steal a girl if she refuses to marry him, or if her family objects to the union.
The bride napping was often followed by negotiations between the bride's and groom's families, facilitated by a local imam, or religious leader.
But from now on, imams will face punishment if they get involved.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov vowed Sunday to eradicate the centuries-old practice.
[Ramzan Kadyrov, Leader of Chechen Republic]: (Chechen)
"This is the territory of the Russian Federation in which laws make kidnapping a crime. We follow Islam, the religion which condemns such practices and does not recognize marriage without a woman's consent. I want to tell you with full responsibility that we will once and for all eradicate bride kidnapping from our society."
Bride-stealing can also lead to blood feuds.
Last year four people were killed during a kidnapping, including a bride, after members of her family chased the kidnapper's car.
Bride kidnapping: an old tradition in Chechnya.
Men often decide to steal a girl if she refuses to marry him, or if her family objects to the union.
The bride napping was often followed by negotiations between the bride's and groom's families, facilitated by a local imam, or religious leader.
But from now on, imams will face punishment if they get involved.
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov vowed Sunday to eradicate the centuries-old practice.
[Ramzan Kadyrov, Leader of Chechen Republic]: (Chechen)
"This is the territory of the Russian Federation in which laws make kidnapping a crime. We follow Islam, the religion which condemns such practices and does not recognize marriage without a woman's consent. I want to tell you with full responsibility that we will once and for all eradicate bride kidnapping from our society."
Bride-stealing can also lead to blood feuds.
Last year four people were killed during a kidnapping, including a bride, after members of her family chased the kidnapper's car.