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Opposition Councilor Files Criminal Complaint Over Belgrade Kindergarten Soap Scandal

Opposition Councilor Files Criminal Complaint Over Belgrade Kindergarten Soap Scandal

From N1 Serbia · (3d ago) Serbian Critical tone

Translated from Serbian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Serbian opposition councilor has filed a criminal complaint against responsible parties in the "soap affair" in Belgrade kindergartens.
  • The complaint targets officials for allegedly attempting to cover up the issue involving hand soap that caused rashes in children.
  • The soap, identified as "Kids Oxy," was found to contain irritant and sensitizing substances and has since been withdrawn.

A significant scandal, dubbed the "soap affair," has rocked Belgrade's kindergartens, prompting a criminal complaint from opposition councilor Stefan Simić of the Free Citizens Movement. Simić alleges that city officials have attempted to suppress information regarding the use of hand soap that caused adverse reactions, including rashes, among young children. The soap in question, "Kids Oxy," was found through analysis by the Belgrade Institute for Public Health to contain substances classified as irritants and skin sensitizers. These findings indicate the soap can lead to skin dryness, redness, and burning, making it unsuitable for frequent use. Despite these health concerns and the subsequent withdrawal of the product from all kindergartens, the city administration's handling of the situation has drawn sharp criticism. Simić asserts that the authorities' efforts to conceal the truth will not be tolerated, and he intends to bring all findings to public attention. This incident highlights a concerning lack of transparency and accountability within the city's management of public services, particularly those involving the health and well-being of children.

The City Administration tried to cover up the problem, but we will not allow it. Today, we will address the public with all the findings.

— Stefan SimićStating his intention to expose the truth about the 'soap affair'.
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Originally published by N1 Serbia in Serbian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.