The Ministry of the Interior reported in a communiqué that on 29 January 2019 the Social Protection Sub-Department of the Judicial Police Department undertook to investigate a suspicious activity of a Quranic association located in Al-Rgueb, in the province of Sidi Bouzid that housed a group of children and young people in inappropriate conditions, who were subjected to ill-treatment and economic exploitation, in coordination with the National Anti-Trafficking Authority and Child Protection Representative in Sidi Bouzid.
According to the same communiqué, on 31 January 2019, the competent security units, accompanied by the General Representative for the Protection of Children and 05 psychologists, were on the spot where 42 children (aged between 10 to 18 years old) and 27 adults (aged between 18 to 35) reside. They were, in fact, subjected to violence and ill-treatment, as well as, exploited in the field of agricultural work and construction, where they were indoctrinated with extremist ideas and practices.
With the permission of the Public Prosecution in Sidi Bouzid, the school owner was arrested for "trafficking in people through the economic exploitation of children and the use of violence" and for "suspicion of belonging to a terrorist organization". Moreover, the arrest of a 26-year-old woman, who confessed being illegally married with the suspect.
In addition, the Public Prosecution authorized the shelter of children in one of the integrated centres for youth and childhood to provide them with the necessary health, psychological and social care. The public health doctor has confirmed that some of them have suffered of diseases such as breathlessness, scabies and lice.
#Tunisia #Sidi_Bouzid #violence #exploitation #extremist_ideas #children #Quranic_association
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