Detention Facility in Bulgaria Described as Prison-Like

The "Special Home for the Temporary Accommodation of Foreigners" in Lyubimets, Bulgaria, functions more like a prison than a reception center, according to a report by Die Zeit. Located near the Turkish border, the facility is visually imposing, surrounded by high walls topped with barbed wire and monitored by numerous cameras and watchtowers.

Accessing the facility requires navigating through the seemingly ordinary Bulgarian town of Lyubimets, where residents enjoy evening strolls and children play. However, the stark contrast emerges upon reaching the compound's perimeter, marked by a two-story concrete building with barred windows. The article notes that while Google Maps can locate "Lyubimets Prison," it does not recognize the official designation of the accommodation center.

Inside, the conditions are described as harsh. Migrants are reportedly confined in cells housing up to twenty individuals, subjected to constant surveillance by cameras for extended periods, sometimes lasting months. This stark description highlights the severe conditions faced by foreigners temporarily housed in this Bulgarian facility, raising concerns about their treatment and human rights.