Dozens of police officers from the Northern District raided targets in the Yavniel settlement in the Lower Galilee this morning (Thursday) - and detained for questioning dozens of people involved in underage marriages from recent months.
The police are waging an ongoing struggle against the phenomenon of underage marriages that are allegedly taking place illegally within the Breslav community - most of whose activities take place in the Yavniel colony. .
After several weeks ago, over 20 suspects in connection with minor marriages in the town were detained for questioning, this morning dozens of police officers raided several locations once again and have so far detained for questioning 16 minors and adults from their immediate surroundings, suspected of having recently married or of having begun making actual preparations for an illegal wedding ceremony.
According to the police, weddings are usually held in the morning with a limited number of people present, without sharing the location of the ceremony until it begins, while preventing photography of the wedding ceremony and prohibiting the introduction of cell phones - for fear of documenting the marriage ceremony.
After the religious ceremony, in many cases, an additional event is held for the general public under the guise of an 'engagement party', to which all relatives of the bride and groom are invited.
The police statement said: "The Israel Police will continue to act resolutely against any offense that harms minors and the helpless, including offenses related to the marriage of minors in violation of the law.
""The investigation conducted in recent months in the Northern District is part of an ongoing struggle to protect the safety, security and rights of minors.
""The Israel Police will continue to investigate this issue thoroughly and professionally, in cooperation with all enforcement and welfare agencies, with the aim of reaching the truth, bringing those involved to justice, and preventing the continuation of the phenomenon.".
