16 plead not guilty in Amish hair-cutting attacks in Ohio

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Sixteen Amish men and women have pleaded not guilty in beard- and hair-cutting attacks against fellow Amish in Ohio.

The defendants and their attorneys overflowed defense tables and the jury box as they entered the pleas in Cleveland federal court to an updated indictment.

The latest indictment added new allegations that the suspects tried to hide or destroy evidence, including a disposable camera, shears and a bag of hair.

A feud over church discipline reportedly led to the attacks, in which the beards and hair of men and hair of women were cut.

The act is considered deeply offensive in Amish culture. The Amish believe the Bible instructs women to let their hair grow long and men to grow beards and stop shaving once they marry.