Bishop Iakob of Bodbe will lead the Ninotsminda Boarding School, where alleged child abuse took place for years. The Georgian Patriarchate made the decision. The newly-appointed director of the boardinghouse told reporters that “Bishop Spiridon chose to return to his diocese on his own volition.”
In the current situation, 23 children are still in the children’s boarding home, under the supervision and care of social workers.
“We will familiarize and change what is needed,” Bishop Jacob told journalists, adding that he had never met children at Ninotsminda Boarding School before.
The new head of the orphanage said that Bishop Spiridon could always visit the orphanage as his merits are immense.
In the interest of the record, an investigation has been launched into possible crimes committed by children at St. Nino Boarding School in accordance with article 126, section I1, of the Criminal Code of Georgia.
Some orphanage residents have reported that they were subjected to physical and mental violence and harsh punishments. Public Defender‘s Office claims that sexual violence was committed in the orphanage several years ago.
The State Agency for Care and Assistance of Victims of Trafficking reports that 20 minors, including seven children with disabilities, have left the Ninotsminda Orphanage. The process continues. In their best interest, they were transferred to other forms care, such their biological family, small family-type homes, and foster care.
By Ana Dumbadze
Related Story: PHR – Death Threat to Ninotsminda Witness
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