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Compiled by GayToday
Riga, Latvia—Latvia, a Baltic state, is being rocked by a pedophile scandal
involving young boys that is reportedly affecting the very highest levels
of the nation's government. The scandal threatens to bring an end to the
careers of top politicians, including Prime Minister Andris Skele, who is
presently fighting for his political life.
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Investigative journalists and a parliamentary commission have unearthed
information that has led to the imprisonment six men on charges of child
abuse, pornography involving minors, and the selling children into sexual
slavery.
Others, who are said to have been implicated in a cover-up, include
Latvia's prosecutor general, Janis Skrastins, and its justice minister,
Valdis Birkavs.
Over 40 witnesses, including 12 males (now aged 15-23 years old)
have come forward to tell stories of children blackmailed, drugged
and plied with alcohol while they were snared in prostitution rings.
Those who have been charged must await trials to be initiated
by the prosecutor's office.
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Latvia, according to a report by the U.S. State Department, is a "key transit point
for the flourishing East European sex trade." Young girls are also being
sold into western Europe's sex industry although 85% of the 3,000
minors listed were boys, a preponderance of them
orphans.
Clients reportedly paid as much as $1,500 per month or more to
maintain relationships with "photo models, escorts and home boys."
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