A video of 86-year-old Lyudmila, a former school principal, crying and claiming she is locked in her apartment by a social worker without water or food has sparked public outrage in Tashkent. The footage, posted by a blogger, showed an almost empty fridge and neighbors lowering food on a rope through the window.

The Mirzo-Ulugbek district administration denied the allegations, stating that the woman receives regular social assistance and that the key is kept by the worker for safety reasons. They also said her bank card is monitored through an electronic system.

A Podrobno.uz correspondent visited the scene and spoke with the mahalla chairman and neighbor Olesya. Olesya confirmed lowering food on a rope but denied the woman was locked in for two weeks. She said gas and water were cut off at her request after Lyudmila nearly caused a fire.

The mahalla chairman claimed Lyudmila has dementia and often gets lost, so she is locked in for her own safety. Social worker Sevara visits daily, though officially four times a week. When the journalist arrived, Lyudmila had the key and opened the door herself.

The fridge contained eggs, milk, butter, cookies, and ready meals. However, Lyudmila complained she cannot use a microwave and asked not to have the gas fully disconnected. Doctors examined her and found her condition satisfactory for her age.

Neighbor Olesya suggested placing Lyudmila in a nursing home, but the mahalla chairman said it is beyond his authority. The Presidential Administration has taken the case under special control, and authorities are investigating the circumstances to determine future care.

Source: podrobno.uz