You Scratch Your Back, I'll Scratch Mine

Now here is one to keep an eye on, BBC News reports:

A devout Shia Muslim has been convicted of child cruelty after forcing two boys to beat themselves during a religious ceremony, in an unprecedented case.

The jury at Manchester Crown Court found 44-year-old Syed Mustafa Zaidi guilty of two counts of child cruelty.

The boys, aged 13 and 15, were forced to beat themselves with a zanjeer whip, with five curved blades.

It seems these two young guys knew what was expected before this ceremony, they had seen it before. Add in a bit of teenage bravado and yes, they agreed till they saw the reality of what Zaidi had in mind for them. Not like this wimp here, no blades for him!

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Then the guys bottled it and quite rightly.

Zaidi admitted he had asked the boys if they wanted to beat themselves and allowed them to use the bladed whip.

"allowed them", WTF, like it's in any way sensible to flay the skin off your own back. They were being intimidated.

He denied his actions were wrong, saying: "This is a part of our religion."

Right. Oh, sorry, that makes it OK then - NOT.

I hope these young gentlemen have learned just how batshit insane some of their elders really are. Keep thinking for yourself guys, you will get there. Just don't let the braindead bastards like Zaidi suck you in again.

Zaidi told the court: "It was an emotional time and the children were happy, they asked for it. No one forced anyone.

"If I'd known this would be the result of breaking the law I would never have done it."

Yeah, sure.

Note for diary:

Zaidi will be sentenced on 24 September.

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Update: Zaidi convicted.