Amendments to a draft bill which would make begging illegal in Norway have come in for harsh criticism. Changes to the original proposals would extend the scope of the law, making it possible to prosecute those helping beggars who give them money, shelter or food. The right-wing Progress Party claim the changes are necessary to target large-scale and 'organised' groups who are treating begging as a lucrative business, while socialist MP Karin Anderson has said the the measures are tantamount to 'criminalising poverty'. The bill is out for consultation until 15 February. Read more: thelocal.no