20 employees dismissed from Patriarchate’s boarding school accused of abuse

Twenty employees have been dismissed from the Patriarchate’s boarding school in Ninotsminda which is suspected of inflicting physical and psychological violence on its wards.

The new director of Patriarchate’s Ninotsminda boarding school Archbishop Iakob of Bodbe told Rustavi 2 TV channel today that only 19 employees will remain in the school as ‘currently there is no need for more staff’. 

On June 6, eleven minors, including one with disabilities, were removed from the Patriarchate’s boarding school amid allegations of violence.

• 11 children leave Patriarchate’s boarding school amid allegations of abuse
• Ombudswoman: Prosecutor’s Office investigating several cases of violence in Patriarchate’s boarding school

Earlier in June Tbilisi City Court ruled that children with disabilities be removed from the boarding school following an appeal from the Partnership for Human Rights (PHR).

Archbishop Iakob didn’t confirm to Rustavi 2 TV channel that any of the dismissed employees were accused of abusing minors, but said that if he finds any of them guilty, he ‘will not back down from dismissal’.

Archbishop Ikob said he got acquainted with the case materials and is going to make some decisions in the coming days, though he didn’t specify details.

• UNICEF ready to support transfer of children from Ninotsminda boarding school following abuse scandal

Health Minister Ekaterine Tikaradze responded to the ongoing processes in the boarding school earlier today. She said the ministry will study the needs of minors together with the Patriarchate and that all of them will be placed in small group homes considering their necessities.

Rustavi 2 reported today that Ninotsminda boarding school will be transformed into a Day Centre, where not only boarding school children, but also ethnic Armenian minors residing in Ninotsminda will be able to attend different classes.