Religious Figure Sparks Controversy In Russia After Endorsing Female Genital Mutilation

A senior Islamic spiritual leader in Russia has sparked controversy after endorsing female genital mutilation, or FGM, in the mainly Muslim-populated North Caucasus region of Daghestan.The mufti of Karachayevo-Cherkessia, Ismail Berdiyev, said all women should be circumcised "to end depravity." Human rights groups condemned the statement and Russian lawmakers want to ban FGM. But putting an end to the practice in Daghestan could be a challenge. (RFE/RL'S Current Time TV)