Authorities suspend Kuzbass boarding home director over forest burials

The director of the Prokopyevsk boarding home has been suspended amid allegations of pressure and illegal dismissals by staff. Governor Ilya Seredyuk stated on Friday, January 30, that there are no immediate plans to dismiss the director, despite nine deaths at the facility in a month.

According to the regional head, the decision regarding director Elena Morozova is temporary. She can continue to assist the commission, but not manage the institution.

«She has a vested interest. As noted during the meeting, she could sway staff,» he said.

Dismissing Morozova is not on the agenda for now, Seredyuk stressed. A commission involving experts from Rospotrebnadzor (the Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing) and the regional Ministry of Social Protection has yet to release its findings.

The head of the region urged restraint from premature conclusions regarding the outbreak of illness and deaths in Prokopyevsk.

In addition, Seredyuk listened to reports, ordered inspections in all social institutions in the region, and also organized medical check-ups for all residents.

In a month, nine people died in the institution, most due to heart problems. But Moscow doctors believe that complications could have been triggered by the flu, an outbreak of which was detected in the boarding home.

Online sources write that, in addition, residents were allegedly systematically beaten and chained in the institution. The editorial office of NGS42.RU published footage from the site where residents were buried, including those who recently died.

Other important details about the mass illness and deaths in the Prokopyevsk boarding home are covered in a special report.