Florida: Boy kneels in rice for disobedience; Sister arrested

 

 

 

P.P. Cherian

Florida: A 26-year-old woman was arrested in Florida on Wednesday for allegedly making her brother kneel in rice for hours for disobedience. Natalie Francelia Cruz, a resident of Florida City, was arrested by police on charges of child abuse.

The child was subjected to cruel punishment from 11 am to 5 pm. The woman did not even allow her to go to the bathroom during this time, according to a police report. Finally, the child, unable to bear it, ran away from home at 5 pm and sought help from neighbors. The neighbors informed the police.

When the police arrived, the child had injuries on his knees from kneeling in rice for a long time. The boy's sister, Natalie, is the legal guardian of the boy after his mother was deported. The boy told police that his sister used to punish him in this way when he made mistakes in the past.

Natalie, who is currently in jail on a $2,500 bond, has been ordered to stay away from her brother. There is also an immigration hold against them.