Twelve members of a criminal gang forcing Syrian children to beg on the streets were detained in operation by the police on Sept. 11 in İstanbul. The police rescued 36 children and 54 people from the gang. 12 members of the gang were captured in operation, along with nearly 40.000 Turkish lira (more than $11.000).
The children revealed to the police in their testimonies horrifying details about the way they were being treated by the criminal gang.
Some kids told the police that the gang members had 'rented' them from their families in Syria for 1000 Turkish lira (approximately $300) a month and lied to them saying they would sell water and tissues in İstanbul.
The children also said they were beaten by the gang members if they hadn’t brought back at least 100 liras on a daily basis and were kept hungry and thirsty as punishment. Those who attempted to help them shared the same fate. One of the children was hit by a car. The child was later smuggled out of the hospital and was forced to continue begging with the broken leg.
While being proud of themselves for hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees, Turkish government turns a blind eye to the abuse and exploitation of child refugees. Syrian children are used as cheap labour, advantaging from their vulnerable situation.
