In a shocking incident that has shaken the community, 75 tombstones in Nova Zagora’s cemetery park were vandalized by a group of minors on Saturday.
Several boys, aged between 9 and 11, were apprehended and detained by the Sliven police, as reported by the authorities.
The young vandals indiscriminately targeted the memorial plaques, jumping over the cemetery’s concrete fence to commit the act. Mayor Galya Zaharieva, speaking to Bulgarian National Radio (BNR), confirmed that the police managed to apprehend the culprits on the same evening.
“The investigation revealed that these boys come from extremely unfavorable family environments, with absent parents.
They are currently in a crisis center in Burgas under a 48-hour protective measure that expires today. Social services are assessing if the children should be placed in temporary centers or sheltered housing for better care and education,” Zaharieva stated.
The incident has drawn attention to the growing issue of unsupervised minors in Nova Zagora.
Cemetery employees have reported frequent raids by groups of street children, leading to concerns about the security of the cemetery park. Discussions on additional security measures are currently underway to prevent future incidents.
While some of the damaged monuments have been restored, many will remain in disrepair due to the absence of relatives in Bulgaria or a lack of funds for repairs.
This has left the community grappling with the consequences of the vandalism, as the state steps in to ensure that the young offenders receive proper re-education.
“It is disheartening to see the damage done to these memorials. They hold significant emotional and historical value for many families,” said a local resident. “The lack of supervision and guidance for these children is evident, and it’s a societal issue that needs urgent attention.”
The minors were taken to the Nova Zagora Police Department and interviewed in the presence of a Children’s Pedagogical Room inspector.
According to the police, the boys admitted to the vandalism, claiming it was done on a whim without understanding the gravity of their actions.
The families of the children involved have been contacted, and social services are working to address the underlying issues in their home environments.
“These children need support and guidance. The absence of parental care has left them vulnerable and misguided,” said a representative from the social services department.
Mayor Zaharieva emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of such behavior to prevent future incidents.
“We need to create a supportive environment for these children. It’s not just about punishing them but ensuring they have the opportunity to grow up in a safe and nurturing setting.”
As the community comes to terms with the vandalism, there is a collective call for stronger community engagement and support systems for at-risk youth.
The incident has highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to support vulnerable children and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In the meantime, the local authorities and social services are focused on providing the necessary interventions for the young offenders, ensuring they receive the care and education required to steer them towards a better path.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the broader social issues that need to be addressed to protect and guide the youth of Nova Zagora.