PODCAST:The Global Story
TITLE:Black market baby trafficking in Georgia
DATE:2024-01-26 00:00:00
URL:
MODEL:gpt-4-gizmo
In this episode of "The Global Story" from the BBC World Service, the focus is on a shocking scandal unfolding in Georgia, where it has been alleged that over several decades, thousands of Georgian families were deceitfully told that their newborn babies had died. In reality, these children were sold illegally for adoption. The program, hosted by Katja Adler, features BBC journalists Woody Morris and Fay Nurse, who traveled to Georgia to investigate and document these claims.
Tamuna, a prominent Georgian journalist, discovered discrepancies in her own birth certificates, sparking her investigation into her true origins. Her search led to a realization that she was not the only one affected; thousands of other Georgians had similar experiences. Tamuna set up a Facebook group called "I Am Searching," which quickly garnered significant attention, indicating the magnitude of the issue.
Among the cases discussed are identical twins Amy and Anno, separated at birth and unaware of each other's existence until a chance encounter on social media. Their story highlights the emotional impact of discovering one’s true identity and family under such extraordinary circumstances. The twins eventually confronted their adoptive families and learned they had been illegally adopted.
The program also covers the story of Irina, who was told in 1978 that her twin boys had died shortly after birth. Decades later, she discovered that their grave, where she believed they were buried, was empty. This revelation was part of a broader pattern of deceit where hospitals and possibly other institutions were involved in the illegal adoption and trafficking of newborns.
The investigation suggests that the illegal adoption network was widespread, implicating various hospitals and possibly reaching into the upper echelons of the Georgian establishment. The lack of adequate records and documentation makes it challenging to uncover the full extent of this scandal. The Georgian government has conducted investigations, but many feel these efforts have been insufficient and that there's an attempt to brush the issue under the carpet.
The episode sheds light on a deeply troubling issue, highlighting the emotional turmoil and lifelong impact on those who were victims of this scandal. It underscores the need for thorough investigation and accountability to bring justice to the affected families.
