Pensioner Fights to Annul Death Certificate After 19 Years
Tatyana Rafikova, a 70-year-old woman from Zuyevka in the Kursk region, Russia, is in a legal battle to annul a death certificate that erroneously declared her dead in 2005. Despite being 'buried alive,' Rafikova has been unable to access her pension or medical services, prompting her to seek justice through the courts.
The confusion surrounding Rafikova's death began when her sister mistakenly identified a charred body as hers after a fire. This identification was based solely on photographs and a supposed denture, which Violetta, Rafikova's daughter, claims was never present. The incident raises questions about the validity of the identification process and the circumstances that led to her being declared dead.
Family Dynamics and Legal Challenges
Rafikova's life story is further complicated by her past. She served time in prison for fraud until 1999, during which she lost custody of her seven children. After her release, she lived without proper identification, complicating her ability to reconnect with her family and access essential services. Her children, some of whom were raised in orphanages, were shocked to learn that their mother had been alive all these years.
In 2018, Rafikova initiated legal proceedings to prove her existence, leading to a confrontation with her sister, who initially denied recognizing her. Despite the eventual acknowledgment of her identity, the process to annul the death record has faced delays, with the case only reaching court at the end of 2024. The mystery of who was buried in her place remains unresolved, leaving her family with unanswered questions about the identity of the deceased.
Rafikova's story highlights the complexities of identity, familial relationships, and the legal system, as she continues her fight for recognition and the right to live a normal life.
