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	Rehabilitated Addicts: Thank You for Beatings! Javno May 23, 2009 http://www.javno.com/en-world/rehabilitated-addicts--thank-you-for-beatings_260147 It is true that we were beaten there, but only when we snuck in or used drugs at the Centre. This was not tolerated, an ex drug addict said. Spiritual-Rehabilitation Centre in Crna Reka received a lot of coverage recently as a vide recording was published, showing two men beating an addict with a shovel and slapping him. The Centre might be sued for torture because of such brutal rehabilitation fashion, however, a former addict told the Serbian Press that he managed to get `clean` at this centre. - It is true that we were beaten there, but only when we snuck in or used drugs at the Centre. This was not tolerated and beatings followed – 30-year-old Dragan M. told the Press paper, who underwent treatment in 2006 at an institution linked with the Orthodox Church. He then testified that some 100 hard core addicts were at the Centre, who unsuccessfully tried to quit drugs before coming to the Centre. Patients sign a contract, agreeing to beating Dragan claims that the beatings are administered to only ten percent of the patients only when they break a rule, because it is clearly stated that no drugs can be taken inside the institution. - Crna Reka was my final refuge. This is where the hard core addicts go who sought help at various places previously. When you arrive, you sign a contract which claims that the patient agrees to every type of treatment, which also includes beating. There was no hazing, beating until death or such things. The rules are clear, if you sneak in drugs, you will be beaten and that`s the end of it – Dragan said. He says that he has not turned to drugs for two years. - I returned to a normal life, I have a child, a job, I am preparing to buy an apartment. And three years ago, I didn`t know whether I would live to see tomorrow – Dragan recalled. Press paper also talked to a woman whose son-in-law has been undergoing treatment at this institution for ten months already. The Centre does not have a working permit Marija L. said that her son-in-law`s parents spent 15,000 euro for treatment in specialised institutions, but he was beyond helping. - He is on a good road to leaving drugs behind forever. My daughter visits him regularly and says he is a different man, completely reborn. It is true that they are beaten, but I believe it is for their own good – Marija claims. Representatives of the Serbian Interior Ministry visited the Centre on Friday, in order to probe the accuracy of these claims and the authenticity of the recorded footage. Charges have been raised against nine persons at the Centre for abuse. Assistant to Serbian Health Minster Ivana Misic said that the Health Ministry has not issued out a permit for the Spiritual-Rehabilitation Centre in Crna Reka. - Treating addiction can be performed at health institutions of the state or under private authorisation exclusively, if the health inspection issued out a permit for their work.
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