Bulgarian authorities have uncovered a horrific abuse scandal, rescuing 75 elderly and vulnerable individuals from two illegal care homes described as "houses of horrors." Victims were found tied, sedated, beaten, and deprived of basic human rights, leading to multiple arrests and a nationwide investigation into illicit care facilities.
Bulgaria’s ‘Houses of Horrors’ Uncovered
Bulgarian officials have revealed a shocking case of abuse in two unlicensed care facilities in the village of Yagoda, near Stara Zagora. Justice Minister Georgy Georgiev labeled these establishments "houses of horrors" after rescuers found 75 residents subjected to brutal mistreatment. The facilities, disguised as "rooms for rent" for approximately 400 Euros per month, were operating without proper licenses, allowing them to evade inspections.
Key Takeaways
- Widespread Abuse: Residents were found with their feet tied, sedated, beaten, and locked in rooms without bedding or access to the outside world. Some had window handles removed to prevent escape.
- Deplorable Conditions: Images released by the Ministry of Justice showed unsanitary bathrooms and frail individuals in critical condition, suffering from dehydration, malnutrition, and severe heart failure.
- Forced Isolation: Victims were denied contact with the outside world; their phones and ID cards were confiscated. One woman reportedly had not left the facility in four years.
- Lack of Medical Care: Unqualified staff administered injections, and doctors only visited if a resident died. Blood tests are being conducted to identify substances used to sedate residents.
- Arrests and Investigation: Five individuals were initially arrested, with a sixth later detained, on charges including kidnapping, violence, and negligence. An investigation is ongoing.
The Rescue Operation and Its Aftermath
The rescue operation saw 18 individuals transported to the hospital in Stara Zagora, where they were stabilized. The remaining 64 residents were either reunited with relatives or placed in state-run facilities. Disturbingly, many families were reportedly unable or unwilling to take back their elderly relatives.
Systemic Issues and Government Response
This incident highlights a broader issue within Bulgaria, the poorest country in the European Union, where a lack of adequate facilities for the elderly has led to the proliferation of illegal care centers. Previous incidents, including fatal fires in nursing homes in 2021 and 2022, underscore the urgent need for reform.
In response, Minister Georgiev announced widespread inspections of nursing homes and hospices to combat property fraud targeting vulnerable individuals. Over 100 inspections have already been conducted, resulting in the revocation of four licenses and numerous compliance orders. The government aims to dismantle "property mafia schemes" that exploit helpless people.
International organizations, including the Council of Europe’s European Committee For The Prevention of Torture (CPT), have long criticized the poor state of health and social care facilities in Bulgaria, urging decisive action to improve conditions and safeguards for vulnerable populations.
Sources:
- Dozens of people, some sedated and with feet tied, rescued from "houses of horrors" in Bulgaria, officials say –
CBS News, CBS News. - Rescuers save 75 people from ‘house of horrors’ illegal care homes in Bulgaria where residents had feet tied,
were sedated and beaten senseless if they tried to leave, Daily Mail. - Six detained for abuse of patients in Bulgaria nursing home, Reuters.
- They Called It a Care Home — It Was Actually a ‘House of Horror’ Where Elderly Residents Were Tied Up, People.com.
