Woman found living in isolation for 25 years after failing exam

Dubai: Algeria was shaken this week by the shocking case of a woman who confined herself to her family home for 25 years after failing her high school baccalaureate exam.

Videos circulating online showed the dilapidated conditions where she lived in isolation, with belongings scattered chaotically throughout the house.

Neighbours said she would scream at — and sometimes assault — anyone who tried to approach. Her siblings, though living in the same large house, were unable to intervene.

Authorities said she was finally removed by police and civil defense teams after a local resident tipped them off.

The case has sparked anger and disbelief across Algeria, with many questioning how her confinement could go on for so long without intervention.

On social media, users pointed to the country’s lack of mental health support. “If she had seen a psychologist after failing, she could have recovered,” one wrote. Others demanded an investigation into whether her family or society at large failed her.