Christian couple separated from daughters after ‘religious extremism’ accusations lose appeal

A Swedish couple which have been separated from their two eldest daughters for nearly 4 years as a result of alleged “religious extremism” have had an appeal rejected by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

Daniel and Bianca Samson’s ordeal began in late 2022 when government authorities took the daughters into their care. The intervention was prompted by an allegation by the eldest daughter that her parents wouldn’t allow them to wear make up or own a phone as a result of their “religious extremism”.

According to ADF International, which helps the Samsons, the daughter later retracted her accusations and the authorities could find no evidence that either girl had been abused in any way.

Despite this, the ladies have still not been allowed to return to their parents and are being kept in separate foster homes. The girls have reportedly said they want to be reunited with their parents and have began to suffer health problems. At present the Samsons can only see their daughters once a month and under supervision.

Having taken the case to the ECHR, the court said that it couldn’t rule on the difficulty on the grounds that each one possible legal remedies in Sweden haven’t yet been exhausted.

The ECHR indicated that the Samsons could take claims that their religious freedom has been violated to Swedish courts. According to ADF, Swedish authorities have used the Samson’s practice of attending church thrice every week as evidence of “religious extremism”.

Guillermo A Morales Sancho, legal counsel for ADF, said, “Parents have the first responsibility and right to lift their children. When the state interferes with family life based on values-based parenting selections or discrimination on the idea of religion, fundamental freedoms are at stake.

“We deeply regret the Court’s decision to reject this case, considering that this family has been torn apart for over three years despite a full investigation that cleared Mr. and Mrs. Samson of any abuse and the undeniable fact that the Social Services certified their capability and fitness for parenting after they successfully accomplished an official training.

“Families must be free to live in keeping with their convictions without fear of losing their children to the state.”