KUWAIT CITY, Aug 29: Director of Information and Security Department at the Ministry of Interior Brigadier Mohammad Hashem Al-Sabr vehemently denied a news report aired in a television channel recently on the alleged entry of 70,000 beggars into the country before the start of Ramadan. 

In a press statement Sunday, Al-Sabr appealed to the media to verify the information before publication, especially if it is related to the ministry.  He appreciates the crucial role played by the media in maintaining the security and stability of the country but it should first check the veracity of the information obtained from various sources prior to the publication of any report. He confirmed the ministry officials are ready to provide the media with accurate information and statistical reports from the Information Department. 

Al-Sabr pointed out the ministry issued 22,973 tourist, family, commercial and dependent visas from Aug 11-28. He said the number of people who entered the country on visit visa during this period totaled 14,533 and it seems the channel multiplied this figure by five; thereby, reporting the purported entry of 70,000 beggars to Kuwait. He reiterated his call for the media to verify the information before publishing any news, as the publication of erroneous reports damages not only its reputation but also that of the entire nation. 
Asserting the Security Media Department is willing to cooperate with all employees in the media, Al-Sabr confirmed the department is ready to answer any query from media outfits in the country and provide accurate information to better serve the public, maintain national security and protect the image of the country. 

On the other hand, sources revealed the security officers had earlier arrested a large number of male and female beggars, deported those who came on commercial visit visas to beg in the country, and included the name of their sponsors on the blacklist.