Operation Against Beggars Coming from Osmaniye in Elazığ: Women Collecting Money, Men Waiting

Elazığ Municipality Zabıta Directorate teams conducted a comprehensive inspection operation against begging activities across the city, particularly at mosque entrances and streets and squares where citizens are densely present. During the controls, many female beggars were apprehended, but it was observed that some individuals reacted to the teams and insulted them, stating they did not understand what crime they were committing. Detailed examinations by the Zabıta teams revealed that the captured individuals had come from Osmaniye to beg in Elazığ central. According to intelligence obtained by security forces, it was determined that this group traveled to different cities in an organized manner with approximately 10 minibuses, and specifically women collected money on the streets throughout the day. In the information obtained within the scope of the operation, it was claimed that while women collected money, men waited in the shade passing time and even played okey. It was stated that the group left the city at the end of the day with the money they collected and returned to where they came from.

While the apprehended individuals were taken to the Zabıta Directorate to initiate procedures, official statements regarding the incident indicated that the legal process would be conducted within the framework of Law No. 5326 on Misdemeanors. Under the relevant articles of the said law, it was clearly stated that an administrative fine would be imposed by the administration on all individuals involved in begging activities and the money seized on them during the operation would be confiscated. Elazığ Municipality officials called on the public and citizens regarding the issue, emphasizing the importance of not providing financial support to those engaged in such organized begging activities. Citizens were asked to be skeptical when encountering similar situations and to inform the authorized units by calling the Zabıta line number 153 as much as possible. It was emphasized that such interventions would continue periodically for the sake of ensuring general security and order in the city, aiming to deter individuals or groups engaged in begging. The recent operation in Elazığ brought concerns about the transformation of begging incidents into an intercity organized structure and the struggle of local administrations to the agenda once again.