25.01.2025 11:20
A wedding dance between an 8-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl in Russia's Astrakhan region has sparked significant backlash on social media. The wedding, which reportedly took place between two families belonging to the Romani community, was organized by the girl's mother.
The "wedding" footage of an 8-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl from Russia's Astrakhan region has sparked significant backlash on social media.
The shared video shows the girl in a white wedding dress and the boy in a dark suit dancing reluctantly. As the children struggle with the height difference during their dance, guests can be seen applauding, while colorful lights and fireworks draw attention in the background.
Local media reported that the illegal wedding was organized by the girl's mother between two families belonging to the Roma community.
Nina Ostanina, the head of the Russian State Duma's Family Protection Committee, reacted strongly to the incident, stating, "Everyone who is a Russian citizen must comply with the country's laws. While we punish non-Roma families for child abuse, we cannot turn a blind eye to this situation."
The legal marriage age in Russia is set at 18, with local authorities allowing exceptions for 16-year-olds only in special circumstances. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.