CLEVELAND (AP) — Defense attorneys for 16 members of a breakaway Amish group charged in hair-cutting attacks in Ohio have rested their case without calling any witnesses.
Closing statements are scheduled to begin Wednesday morning in the hate crimes trial that began two weeks ago in Cleveland. Prosecutors wrapped up their case Tuesday.
Prosecutors say a religious feud between the Amish in eastern Ohio led to the hair- and beard-cutting attacks on fellow Amish last fall.
All 16 defendants are charged with federal hate crimes and face lengthy prison terms if they're convicted.
The defendants say the dispute involved internal church disciplinary matters and that the government shouldn't be getting involved.
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