Four children were amongst those physically removed and taken to the premises of local Police Station but none of them was beaten up. *No child was beaten up*. All allegations of children being wounded, kicked or stamped upon, are _*totally untrue_*.
The Ministry wishes to use this opportunity to urge civil society organizations to be issuing Press Releases in a manner that will ensure children know what is acceptable in a civilized society and what is frowned upon.
For example, the incident of November 16th 2016 which saw school children in uniforms run riot through streets of Freetown, after their school sports, violently smashing properties and robbing citizens, should have seen Civil Society actors come out with strongly-worded Press Releases that will make the culprits, though children, know their actions are heavily frowned upon.
We all owe a duty to regularly let our children know what is right and what is wrong. Our children are the Future and the Future should hold responsible citizens.
Finally, the Ministry wishes to inform the general public that in shortest possible time, the Honourable Minister will be going live on air to discuss this and other related issues.
Signed………………………………….
*Hon. Dr. Sylvia Olayinka Blyden*
Minister.
Friday January 6th 2017
