ISF members outside a detention center in Beirut on Aug. 7, 2022. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP)
BEIRUT— Internal Security Forces (ISF) said Monday that it opened an investigation into a Jdeideh daycare after a video circulating on social media showed staff members abusing infants, the ISF told L'Orient Today.
The video depicted staff members of the Garderie Garderêve daycare force-feeding young infants and striking them when they cried or didn't cooperate. Other children can be heard crying in the background. Lebanon's Health Ministry confirmed the validity of the video to L'Orient Today.
In a statement, the Health Ministry said it is looking into the daycare center and will take the necessary legal measures "as soon as possible."
While awaiting an investigation, the ministry added that it "will not, under any circumstances, allow actions that are inappropriate for those who should be taking care of children and protecting them."
A Health Ministry spokesperson told L'Orient Today that it decided to shutter the daycare.