BERLIN — Police raided a Christian sect in southern Germany and taken 40 children from them on allegations they were being physically abused, authorities said Friday. Bavarian police said the children of the so-called “Twelve Tribes” sect were taken into protective custody the day before as investigators look into allegations that they were being beaten and otherwise physically punished. About 100 police were involved in the raids. Authorities say 28 of the children were found at one of the sect's locations in the area of the town of Deinigen, and 12 others in the Woernitz area. The sect said in a statement on its website that the children were of ages 1 ½ to 17 and that they would remain with foster parents at least until a court hearing next week. “Where is the legal basis here?” the statement said. “People cannot be found guilty based on their association with a religious faith ... there was no direct evidence against any individual provided.” Still, in a description of the US-founded sect's beliefs, the group said its members believe in spanking their children though “we know that some people consider this aspect of our life controversial.” — AP
