A scandal has broken in Belarus where nearly 100 children and young adults living in orphanages in the capital Minsk have been found on the brink of starvation.<br /><br /> Prosecutors, doctors and children’s home officials have revealed that severely malnourished children have lived in the homes for years.<br /><br /> Some weighed as little as 15 kilos; one 20-year-old was just 11.5 kilos.<br /><br /> Journalists discovered the children’s condition after being invited to a charity event.<br /><br /> Photos published in an online magazine shocked readers; some compared the images to wartime Nazi victims and expressed astonishment that in Europe in the 21st century sick children were suffering from such neglect and lack of food.<br /><br /> A criminal investigation has been launched. Prosecutors say they are the victims of neglect and malnutrition, and that several orphanage directors have been sacked.<br /><br /> Some orphanages have defended the treatment. One said that having spent their lives in bed, children could not walk – adding that the fact they were clean, fed and cared for was the “most important thing”.<br /><br /> But the director of children’s hospice blamed attitudes towards severely ill children. “They are fed, looked after, but they are treated as plants,” she said.<br /><br /> Children discovered on brink of starvation in Belarusian orphanages Guardian #Belarus #childabuse #torture #health https://t.co/SFQZb5k0q5— Gry Tina Tinde (TinaTinde) April 20, 2017<br />
