Authorities Rescue Elderly Individuals from Abusive Care Homes in Bulgaria
In a shocking discovery, Bulgarian officials rescued 75 elderly people who were found tied up and confined in two illegal care facilities in Yagoda, a village in central Bulgaria. These individuals had been kept in isolation, sedated, and cut off from the outside world.
The Ministry of Justice reported that these facilities had falsely identified themselves as "rooms for rent" to avoid inspections after their care licenses were revoked. The facilities were actually operating as unlicensed care homes, where residents were often locked in rooms with window handles removed.
Georgi Georgiev, the Minister of Justice, described the conditions in the homes as “houses of horror.” He mentioned that it took hours for authorities to gain entry as they were initially denied access.
“These individuals – mothers, fathers, grandparents – were held in conditions that violated their human rights,” Georgiev stated. Many of the elderly people were found in poor health.
Sadly, many families of the rescued individuals were unable or unwilling to take them back. Currently, 14 of the rescued people have been placed in other care facilities, while others have been relocated or are still in hospitals.
Georgiev highlighted that residents were stripped of personal belongings, including phones, and had no contact with the outside world. They were often told that they could only get their phones back if relatives made calls.
There was a shocking lack of medical care at these homes. Medical professionals only visited when a resident passed away, and untrained staff were administering injections.
In connection with this case, five individuals have been arrested and are facing investigations for kidnapping and abuse. The local prosecutor’s office noted testimonies from residents, one of whom had reportedly not left the establishment for four years.
In another disturbing incident, a resident who attempted to escape was caught, beaten, and left unconscious. The Deputy Social Minister stated that over the past four years, Bulgaria has conducted 2,090 inspections of care facilities, resulting in 240 license revocations.
