Nine staff indicted over abuse of residents at care center for special needs

Prosecutors on Sunday filed indictments against nine workers at a care center in central Israel on charges of abusing residents, bringing the number of people implicated in the case to over a dozen.

It was the latest development in allegations of abuse at the Kfar Bnei Zion center in Rosh Ha’ayin that cares for people with disabilities and special needs.

The workers were charged with abusing those who are helpless, and preventing another member of staff from reporting abuse that he had witnessed.

Earlier this year indictments were filed against other attendants at the site.

Prosecutors said at the time that “the indictments describe a long and serious process of especially cruel physical and mental abuse against helpless people who cannot defend themselves.”

They were accused of hitting residents, trampling on them, pushing them, pinching and slapping them.

During the period in question, the center took care of around 15 residents with disabilities and special needs.

The incidents came to light after one of the residents at the care center told his family a worker attacked him. Welfare Ministry officials took the incident to the police who then arrested some of the workers.

So far, 13 people have been charged over abuse at the center.