Malatya Police Carry Out 16,500 Begging Inspections in 2026

The Malatya Metropolitan Municipality’s Zabıta (municipal police) department reported that it performed 16,500 inspections targeting begging between January and July 2026. The operations focused on mosque fronts, intersections, traffic lights and other high‑foot‑traffic areas where individuals exploit public goodwill.

As a result of the inspections, 1,751 administrative penalties were issued. Cases involving minors were forwarded to the Malatya Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services for protection measures. The municipality’s Huzur Mobile Team worked together with police, while families in need were referred to the Women and Family Services Directorate for job‑placement, social aid and psychological counseling. Repeated offenders were identified, showing that some people use begging as a regular source of income.

The effort was supported by the local mufti’s awareness campaign, which highlighted the importance of directing assistance to legitimate recipients. Zabıta chief Mehmet Hanifi Acar emphasized that “real help reaches the right address,” underscoring the need for both enforcement and social rehabilitation.