Russia: North Caucasus mufti endorses female genital mutilation
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 25 August 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Russia: North Caucasus mufti endorses female genital mutilation, 25 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a0713.html [accessed 21 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last updated (GMT/UTC): 25.08.2016 15:27
Ismail Berdiyev
The mufti of Russia's North Caucasus region of Karachayevo-Cherkessia, Ismail Berdiyev, has said the genital mutilation of girls does not contradict Islam and is necessary in order "to limit the unnecessary energy" of future brides.
In an interview with Govorit Moskva radio on August 15, Berdiyev said female genital mutilation (FGM) was "a purely Daghestani ritual."
Berdiyev's statement came days after the Moscow-based Pravovaya Initsiativa (Legal Initiative) human rights center raised the issue of FGM in the mainly Muslim-populated North Caucasus region of Daghestan.
Legal Initiative said in its report that in some remote areas in Daghestan, toddler girls go through genital mutilation in very poor sanitary conditions and called on Russian officials to focus on the problem.
Legal Initiative quoted several Islamic clerics, some of whom opposed FSM, while others supported it.
The center's report also included opinion of the Daghestani children's ombudswoman, Intizar Mamutayeva, who condemned the ritual as "violence against children."
On August 15 Mamutayeva was removed from her position and replaced by former Deputy Justice Minister Rabiyat Zakavova.
The United Nations children's organization, UNICEF, estimates that some 200 million women have undergone FGM in some 30 countries around the world.
Based on reporting by Kavpolit.com, Volgadaily.ru, and Kavkaz-uzel.eu
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
