Child Disappearances Spark Serial Killer Fears in Tajik Capital
Police tight-lipped on cases, allowing panic to spread.
5 Nov 14
Police tight-lipped on cases, allowing panic to spread.
Police officers accused of exploiting underage labour ban to extract bribes.
Vulnerable youngsters languish in government-run centres or fend for themselves on the streets.
Experts warn of psychological impact of prolonged parental absence.
Policy shift towards community care has not extended to children with disabilities.
Young children no longer seen, but older pupils still press-ganged for arduous autumn harvest.
Abuse of fellow-pupils seen as part of wider culture of lawlessness and violence.
Total illegal, the custom has not been tackled aggressively by authorities who seem to fear treading on people’s toes.