Daily Star - Charbel: ISF should tackle child beggar networks, April 05, 2012

BEIRUT: Government officials urged the Internal Security Forces Wednesday to adopt harsher measures in combating the presence of child beggars on the streets and the networks that exploit them.

In a statement Wednesday, ISF Commander Maj. Gen. Ashraf Rifi ordered police in Beirut to immediately comply with the order of the Interior Ministry Marwan Charbel and take strict measures to combat the phenomenon.

Charbel made his request during a meeting with Rifi, Justice Minister Shakib Qortbawi, Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour and Public Prosecutor Saeed Mirza.

“This campaign [against child beggar networks] requires more follow-up since the phenomenon has returned to the streets,” Charbel said during the meeting. Earlier this year, a security crackdown called by the government led to the detention of at least 60 children and the arrest of 78 adults involved in child beggar networks. 


http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Local-News/2012/Apr-05/169293-charbel-isf-should-tackle-child-beggar-networks.ashx#axzz1r4JkVcPk