Tragic Deaths of Teenage Migrants Raise Alarms Over Bulgarian Border Police Response

Human rights organizations are calling for an independent investigation into the deaths of three Egyptian teenage boys who froze to death near the Bulgarian-Turkish border in late December 2024. A report from No Name Kitchen and Collettivo Rotte Balcaniche claims that Bulgarian border police ignored emergency calls and obstructed rescue efforts made by activists trying to save the boys.

The report, titled "Frozen Lives," presents evidence suggesting that the boys—17-year-old Ahmed Samra, 16-year-old Ahmed Elawdan, and 15-year-old Seifalla Elbeltagy—were lost in freezing temperatures and had made emergency calls for help while stranded in the forests of Burgas. Despite providing GPS locations to authorities, the boys were found deceased days later.

Witnesses allege that border police were seen near the boys before their bodies were discovered, raising concerns about the police’s failure to act appropriately. Activists reported that border police hindered their rescue attempts and subjected them to intimidation during their efforts.

The Bulgarian interior ministry, however, refuted these claims, stating that its border forces acted promptly in response to distress signals. They emphasized the importance of humanitarian assistance and reported conducting numerous search-and-rescue operations in 2024.

In light of the tragedy, activists stress that the responsibility to aid individuals in distress should rest with trained border police rather than volunteer rescuers. Calls continue for accountability and systemic changes in how Bulgarian authorities manage migrant safety.