A shocking case has come to light in Algeria this week, where a woman was discovered to have lived in isolation inside her family home for 26 years. The matter surfaced after a neighbor alerted the police, leading to her rescue by authorities.
According to a report by Gulf News, the woman—identified as Nadia—had locked herself away following her failure in the high school final exam in 1999, when she was 17.
Now 43, with graying hair, she was found living in extremely unhygienic and chaotic conditions, as seen in footage shared online.
Neighbors said she would scream or even lash out when anyone approached her, making it difficult for family members—who lived in the same house—to intervene.
Police and civil defense teams eventually managed to bring her out safely, ensuring she received immediate medical attention and care.
Algerian broadcaster Al-Nahar reported that Nadia’s exam failure caused a deep psychological shock that led her to confine herself indoors for more than two decades.
The case has sparked outrage and disbelief across Algeria, with many questioning how someone could remain in such conditions for so long without intervention from family or society.
On social media, users highlighted the country’s lack of mental health support, with one commenting that proper psychological care at the time might have helped her recover. Others have called for an inquiry into the role of her family and the broader community’s failure to act.
The incident has reignited debate in Algeria over mental health awareness, family responsibility, and the urgent need for social safety nets for vulnerable individuals.
