Rabbi in Cologne under investigation for circumcision

Charges have been filed in the German city of Cologne against a Rabbi who is accused of circumcising infants, Reuters reports. In June, courts in Cologne banned the practice, angering local Jews and Muslims who say their lifestyle is being threatened.

The local chief public prosecutor, Gerhard Schmitt told Reuters that he will review the charges before he decides whether or not a case should be opened against the rabbi.

“Charges have been filed but no investigation is yet under way,” Mr. Schmitt said. “This is a very, very complex issue.”

Circumcision has been under debate in German for the last few months, and a parliamentary resolution was tabled to formally legalize religious circumcision in light of Cologne’s recent ban.