15-year-old girl was married off In the Denau district, the Social Welfare Agency reported. The ceremony took place despite the family having been officially notified in advance by mahalla representatives and social workers.
The Children's Ombudsman, who has already investigated the circumstances, has taken the incident under review. The investigation found that on July 8, 68-year-old district resident M.R. organized the wedding of her minor granddaughter A.R., 15, to a 28-year-old resident of the same district.
Since A.R. was below the marriageable age, the marriage was not officially registered. However, 75-year-old I.M. performed a religious wedding ceremony (nikah) in return of financial compensation.
A criminal case has been opened against I.M. under the Violation of the marriageable age or the marriage procedure charge of the Criminal Code and another case has been opened against the girl's 28-year-old "husband" under Sexual intercourse with a person under the age of sixteen charge, with investigation underway.
The Children's Ombudsperson said it condemned any cases of early marriage with minors. Such actions constitute a serious violation of children's rights and entail administrative and criminal liability as provided by law.
