JEDDAH — Justice Minister Walid Mohammed Al-Samaani is pursuing a mazoun (marriage official) for marrying a 10-year-old girl, according to the ministry's informed sources. The sources said the minister has forwarded the marriage contract to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development to decide on the mazoun's violation of the Child Protection Law. Under the system, the mazouns should not conduct marriage contracts involving girls who are under 17 years of age. According to the ministry, such marriages will only be solemnized by courts so as to protect the underage girls against any physical or psychological harms. The ministry did not identify the mazoun nor the girl but said she was born in 1431H. Under the Child Protection Law, when married, the young girls should have utmost priority in psychological, social, health and security assistance and accommodation. Thy are also entitled to protection, rescue and relief at the times of natural calamities, wars and others.
