Assaults on minors: A deepening crisis in Lebanon

Recently, we have often heard about incidents involving the assault of minors, both boys and girls, in Lebanon.

The most recent incident involved the rape of a Syrian girl in the Sabra camp, committed by a Palestinian individual (H.K), after being lured by a Syrian girl (M.Z) to an abandoned apartment in the camp. 

There, she subjected her to brutal torture, and her Palestinian fiancé filmed the assault to further humiliate and blackmail her later.

Investigations are still ongoing with the members of this network to determine if they are connected to other networks. However, this incident, and many similar ones, is not the first and sadly will not be the last.

The "Sabra cell," whose entire members have been arrested, though relatively small compared to others, is just one of the many cells involved in the prostitution rings and human trafficking networks that operate relentlessly across Lebanese territory, day and night. 

However, they were apprehended due to a complaint filed by the victim's family, who is suffering from psychological and health issues.

This cell's activities were exposed due to the complaint. However, what happens behind closed doors, in the alleys, impoverished neighborhoods, and even tents, has not been uncovered yet because of the lack of complaints filed with the security forces. Some victims are threatened and blackmailed to prevent them from reporting the crimes or having their images circulated on social media.

It is true that these networks have been operating in Lebanon for years, but their numbers are growing day by day. Several factors have contributed to this, such as the difficult economic situation and the Syrian refugee crisis. 

However, the real danger lies not only in the extortion operations but also in the fact that the primary target of these networks is minors and children who are sexually exploited for profit.

The most important thing remains to file a complaint in any incident, as it is the first and last step to end these criminals and protect our children.