In a heartbreaking incident, three Egyptian minors tragically lost their lives to hypothermia near Bulgaria’s eastern border in December. Activists allege that Bulgarian border authorities obstructed rescue attempts, raising serious concerns about the treatment of migrants and the effectiveness of border policies in the European Union.
Key Takeaways
- Three Egyptian minors died from hypothermia after crossing into Bulgaria.
- Activists claim Bulgarian authorities blocked rescue efforts despite being alerted.
- The incident has reignited scrutiny over EU border policies and treatment of migrants.
The Incident
On December 27, 2024, human rights activists were alerted to three Egyptian minorsโAli, Samir, and Yasserโaged 15, 16, and 17, who were reported to be unconscious in the snow near Burgas, Bulgaria. The activists received videos and GPS coordinates indicating the boys’ location and immediately contacted the Bulgarian emergency services.
Despite their efforts, the activists claim that their calls for help were ignored. They rushed to the coordinates but were reportedly stopped multiple times by Bulgarian Border Police, who prevented them from reaching the minors. The activists were physically escorted away from the area, effectively abandoning their rescue attempt.
Discovery of the Bodies
The following day, on December 28, the activists returned to the same location and discovered the bodies of the three boys, who had succumbed to the freezing temperatures. Activists noted that boot prints and dog paw marks were found surrounding the first body, suggesting that authorities had been present but chose not to assist.
The timeline of events is as follows:
- December 27: Activists alerted authorities about the minors in distress.
- December 28: The first body was discovered, followed by the second later that day.
- December 29: The third body was found, severely damaged by animals.
Activists’ Allegations
Activists from groups such as Collettivo Rotte Balcaniche and No Name Kitchen have accused the Bulgarian authorities of deliberate neglect. They argue that the actions of the border police directly contributed to the preventable deaths of the minors. The activists have faced harassment and intimidation from authorities, with reports of being forced to carry bodies and being threatened.
One activist recounted being bullied into carrying a body to a police vehicle, stating, "I think they just wanted to intimidate us and create trauma."
Response from Bulgarian Authorities
In response to the allegations, the Bulgarian Border Police denied any wrongdoing, claiming that they acted promptly upon receiving emergency calls. They stated that their search yielded no results at the coordinates provided by the activists. The police acknowledged that bodies were found later but insisted they were in different locations.
Broader Implications
This tragic incident has raised significant concerns about the treatment of migrants at the Bulgarian border and the effectiveness of EU border policies. Activists argue that such neglect is not an isolated case, highlighting a pattern of violence and pushbacks against migrants seeking asylum in Europe.
As Bulgaria recently joined the Schengen zone, the pressure to maintain strict border controls has intensified, leading to increased scrutiny over how the country manages migration and protects vulnerable individuals.
The deaths of these three minors serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform in border policies and the humane treatment of migrants in life-threatening situations.
