Tragedy at Bulgaria’s Borders: Deaths of Three Egyptian Teenagers Highlight Human Rights Abuses

Bulgarian authorities have faced harsh criticism for reportedly ignoring emergency calls and obstructing rescue efforts, resulting in the deaths of three Egyptian teenage boys near the Bulgarian-Turkish border in late December.

Investigation Reveals Allegations of Negligence

A dossier of evidence compiled by humanitarian organizations No Name Kitchen (NNK) and Collettivo Rotte Balcaniche (CRB) details the alleged failures of Bulgarian authorities. The report, titled “Frozen Lives,” includes photos, testimonies, and geolocations demonstrating the authorities’ inability to save the boys. The emergency calls and GPS coordinates were reportedly shared with Bulgarian border police, who allegedly obstructed rescue efforts.

Harsh Terrain and Rising Human Rights Abuses

Bulgaria’s border with Turkey, frequented by migrants seeking asylum, has seen well-documented instances of human rights violations. The terrain is treacherous, with freezing winter temperatures and harsh winds. Allegations of illegal pushbacks of asylum seekers from Bulgaria to Turkey have also emerged.

Activists’ Alerts and Harassment

Activists were alerted on December 27, 2024, to emergency calls regarding three teenagers at risk. They subsequently made repeatedcalls to the official 112 emergency number, attempting to reach the boys directly. According to the report, Bulgarian border police allegedly hindered rescue attempts and showed no urgency in responding to the alerts.

Mysterious Circumstances Surround the Discoveries

The bodies of Ahmed Samra, Ahmed Elawdan, and Seifalla Elbeltagy were found the following days. Ahmed Samra’s body was discovered with dog and boot prints, suggesting he may have been found by border police who chose to leave him. The report notes that these prints were later erased. One of the bodies showed signs of partial consumption by animals.

Rescue Teams Face Harsh Treatment

Rescue teams faced systematic harassment, with their passports and phones confiscated, and activists subjected to fingerprinting, photographing, and strip-searching. One female activist described being strip-searched while on her period, feeling intimidated and humiliated.

Activists Call for Investigation

NNK and CRB have called for an independent investigation into systemic violence and negligence by Bulgarian authorities as well as the degrading treatment of migrants and asylum seekers. They emphasize that border police, not activists, should be responsible for responding to emergency calls under extreme conditions.

“It is utterly shocking that three minors froze to death in the forest even though multiple alerts to 112 had been placed. This is a huge failure for everyone. Not only the Bulgarian police forces, but for the EU overall and all its member states.”

An activist from NNK and CRB

Bulgarian Ministry’s Defense

The Bulgarian interior ministry refutes the accusations, stating that border forces responded immediately to reports of young people in distress and conducted numerous search-and-rescue operations. They maintain that the border police do not allow or tolerate any inhuman or disrespectful behavior towards foreigners.

The ministry highlights that their patrols reacted promptly to all emergency signals, considering the urgency in extreme weather conditions. However, activists and other human rights organizations have long criticized the insufficiency of the response to migrant crises.

Previous Incidents and Broader Context

Recent years have seen a rise in the targeting of solidarity workers and migrant assistance organizations across Europe. Investigations in 2024 revealed that officers of the EU border agency Frontex were intimidated into silence regarding rights abuses witnessed in Bulgaria.

Conclusion

The deaths of these three teenagers underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive review of border policies and response mechanisms. The allegations of systematic violence and neglect must be thoroughly investigated to ensure that similar tragedies do not occur in the future. Activists and human rights organizations continue to call for an independent investigation to hold the Bulgarian authorities accountable.

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