The Supreme Court in Utah overturned Warren Jeffs convictions, the leader, the "prophet" of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The decision came unexpectedly and there is no doubt, that created a havoc, emotions among Warren Jeff, FLDS supporters but especially among opponents. The character of FLDS is clear, the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) is one of the largest Mormon fundamentalist denominations and one of United States' largest practitioners of polygamy where a man has more than one wife. But, not "only" polygamy is the issue, there is plenty of criticism - the whole lifestyle which leads to bride shortages and likely to child marriages, incest, and child abuse, critics point out that  that members of the church are violating laws when they participate in polygamy, critics assert that incest and sexual abuse of children are prevalent among church members, and many, many more facts which are violating the law. Under these circumstances it is obvious that the area of FLDS residence has the world's highest incidence of fumarase deficiency, an extremely rare genetic condition, then encephalopathy, severe mental retardation, unusual facial features, brain malformation, and epileptic seizures....But under these conditions it is unbelievable that such a cult, denomination is existing, and existing in one of the most developed countries in the world, in the US.

The decision of the Utah Supreme Court is dramatic, too. It reversed Warren Steed Jeffs' two convictions on charges of rape as an accomplice and ordered a new trial, saying that instructions given to jurors were erroneous. Among others, Warren Jeff was accused of using his religious influence over his followers to coerce a 14-year-old girl into marrying her 19-year-old cousin. Well, such a verdict is regretful. Especially for the victims, for those victims who found the last peace of courage and strength to ride up from the anonymous victims of FLDS and tried to implement the justice. For themselves, but also for the future, potential FLDS victims. Regrettably, this decision will not encourage others to stand up and fight against the injustice, against the inhumane treatment. But the hope, that Warren Jeff will pay for all the inhumane behavior.

Dagmar Benesova

Photo: ISIFA