A Dutch man and his Spanish wife were arrested by Spanish police while trying to leave the country via a ferry port with their three young children. The couple was arrested May 18 at the maritime border crossing of Tarifa as they attempted to board a ferry bound for Tangier, Morocco. Their arrest was in connection with European Arrest warrants issued and executed by the Dutch authorities for kidnapping, false imprisonment and hostage taking of their own children.
When border police stopped them, one of the children was in serious medical condition suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage and a subdural hematoma. The child also had bruises, cuts, scrapes and several bone fractures, including in the upper arm, elbow and tibia. The injuries were life-threatening, medical professionals said. The child was transferred to a medical center in the city of Tataifa and a neurosurgeon was mobilized to treat him. Prosecutors believe the parents were trying to circumvent medical treatment.
6 months Ago
Officials Were Warned of 'Serious Abuse and Neglect'
Dutch officials previously warned that the children were in acute danger and being neglected and abused. The parents had been under a custody order in the Netherlands, which included restraining orders and measures to protect the children. Spanish authorities discovered evidence that the couple intended not to return to the Schengen area.
They had their cash savings, jewellery and other valuable items on them, indicating that they were hoping to escape a legal process in the Netherlands.
Parents Jailed in Madrid, Children in Care Child protection needed to be for parents.
The couple are being held in a prison in Madrid after being taken into custody and have both been placed in detention pending their extradition to the Netherlands.
The three children were taken into care with a foster family in Cádiz, with help from social services in the region. The arrest followed close collaboration of Spanish border guards and the international SIRENE office, which facilitates the sharing of information among European law enforcement agencies.
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