Minister Maslarova in front of protesters: BBC film is a frame-up

Sofia, 09 October 2007 – The Movement of Bulgarian Mothers organized a protest demonstration today in front of the Ministry of Labour and Social Policy (MLSP) against the horrific conditions in which institutionalised children are being brought up in Bulgaria.

Over two hundred protesters gathered in front of the MLSP prompted by the BBC film “Bulgaria’s abandoned children” and the inadequate reaction of the Minister of Labour and Social Policy Emilia Maslarova who stated that children with disabilities are brought up in this way across the world.

Minister Maslarova, who was expected to meet with representatives of the protesters, unexpectedly left for Sevlievo to open a day care center for children with disabilities. Speaking in Sevlievo, she announced that the BBC film was a frame-up and that the journalists had promised the staff money in exchange for horrifying scenes.

On 19 September Minister Maslarova promised to close down the Mogilino institution.

The Movement of Bulgarian Mothers insists that the right of every child to live in a family environment is respected. The mothers filed their requests at the MLSP for speedier adoption procedures and development of the system of foster care. The Movement requested the resignations of the Ministers of Labour and Social Policy and Healthcare.