A 42-year-old woman, identified only as Mirrella, was discovered in a critical condition after allegedly being confined to her room for 27 years by her parents in Świętochłowice, southern Poland. She was last seen publicly in 1998 at the age of 15.
Concerns were raised in July when neighbours reported a disturbance at the family flat. Police officers spoke with Mirrella, who insisted there was no problem, but medical assistance was summoned after they observed her injuries.
Deputy Inspector Anna Hryniak told Polish publication Fakt that the 82-year-old landlady dismissed claims of a confrontation. Local people launched a fundraising campaign, with one supporter stating that doctors determined Mirrella was only days away from death due to infection.
According to the fundraiser, Mirrella had never visited a dentist or hairdresser, and her hair and teeth were in critical condition. She reportedly said she had never seen her city develop, never obtained an ID card, and never gone for a simple walk or even to the balcony.
Prosecutor Agnieszka Kwatera has confirmed that an investigation is underway. The case follows a similar incident last September, when a six-year-old girl was found locked in a room in Brazil, having been fed only liquids and never taught to speak.
