The Saudi governor of Mecca Prince Abdul Majeed has ordered a probe into the alleged trafficking of infants in the holy city.
Majeed set up a special committee to conduct the investigation after police arrested a Burmese couple for allegedly selling their son for 10,000 Saudi riyals ($2,600), reported Arab News.
The couple, Muhammad Wali Fadhel and Ameena Abul Hassan, has been accused of baby trafficking as a means of escaping poverty. Alleged sales of infants took place in Mecca’s Jebel Al-Noor, Sharaie and Ghassala neighborhoods.
According to Arabic press reports, Fadhel was trafficking both Saudi and expatriate babies, “After selling them, he threatened the buyers that he would inform police if they did not pay more money,” reported Al-Nadwah . In the latest deal, he demanded SR 20,000 for an infant. The media did not specify how many babies the couple allegedly sold.
Child trafficking is widely operated through personal and familial networks as well as through highly organized international networks. Recruiters are often local people. Poor economic conditions, poverty and unemployment all contribute to the increase in child trafficking. Trade becomes intensified in situations of war, natural disaster and a relaxed regard for human rights. — (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
