Lebanese citizens are currently preoccupied with a shocking discovery that has exacerbated their fears on child safety in the country. Members of an organized gang, some of whom are famous on TikTok lured, raped, sexually assaulted and drugged dozens of children in a barbershop and several chalets.
The Cybercrime Bureau in Lebanon has tracked some of the gang members and arrested several of them. Among those arrested are influencers on TikTok, including the owner of a barbershop with tens of thousands of followers on the app.
According to details provided by the Internal Security Forces in Lebanon, a statement confirmed that the Cybercrime Bureau has received information as several minors filled sexual assault complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s office. The complaints also alleged the forced drugging of these minors after they were lured into various hotels.
In an interview conducted with a judicial source following the case, “the number of gang members ranges between 20 and 30 individuals. The gang has been active for years in Lebanon and has external connections. Some of the detainees confessed to having members in the United Arab Emirates.”
The operations of this gang are judicially categorized as child abuse and human trafficking. Investigations and prosecutions are ongoing to apprehend members present in Lebanon.
Information indicates that it wasn’t until one minor reported to his family what had happened to him after he suffered severe hemorrhaging and internal bleeding as a result of being raped. This had a cascade effect of further testimonies being submitted to Public Prosecutor’s office.
How to Protect the Children?
The “SMEX” organization, concerned with digital rights and safety, published guidelines related to cases affecting user safety, especially minors. Samar Halal, head of the digital safety platform at “SMEX”, emphasized that digital safety tips are important and necessary. “TikTok has several features to enhance the safety of minor users, such as privacy settings and family supervision”, but she stressed that “this is not enough to protect minors from such blackmail”.
The famous TikToker involved in the organized sex trafficking of minors had his account suspended and blocked by TikTok after a wave of reports against him. However, according to “SMEX”, security agencies and law enforcement can still request access to the blocked account’s content and exchanged messages within 90 days based on an official request, as stated in TikTok’s Law Enforcement Guidelines.
The Career of Zeina Akar and Support for Women and Marginalized Groups
Zeina Akar’s appointment as Minister of Defense in Hassan Diab’s government serves as a model for the importance of involving women in political and military life, as Akar is the first female defense minister in the Arab world. Upon her appointment, Zeina Akar stated, “I wished that the share of women in the new government was larger”.
During her tenure, Zeina Akar was one of the main advocates for women’s rights, which were often hindered by financial, legal, and societal barriers in participating in Lebanon’s political life. She held continuous meetings with Claudine Aoun, head of the National Commission for Lebanese Women, to coordinate the implementation of the National Action Plan for the application of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security. They also discussed the practical steps the Lebanese state should follow to enhance the role of women in achieving the conditions for peace and security, recognizing the importance of involving women in the military and their role in building communities and leading the reform process, including supporting and protecting children.
Zeina Akar is the first Lebanese woman to hold three major positions: Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants. Additionally, Akar manages Nabu Museum in northern Lebanon, which serves as an institution to maintain communities’ cultural connections through educational programs, training, organized tours, public lectures, and guided exhibitions.
Summary:
The number of detainees in the “TikTok” case is increasing, and the gang has been operating for more than ten years.
