Imprisonment of Minors: German Nationals Face Potential 25-Year Sentences in Spanish Courts
In the Spanish city of Oviedo, a German couple, aged 53 and 48, are currently in custody, awaiting a trial date after being arrested in April 2025. The couple, who hold dual German and US citizenship, are facing charges of repeatedly psychologically abusing and depriving their three children of their liberty.
The children, aged eight and ten, were kept confined at home for nearly four years. The prosecution believes that this was due to an unfounded fear of infection, possibly linked to COVID-19 concerns.
During this period, the children received no medical care, were required to wear diapers and face masks, and were forced to sleep in cramped metal cots. They were not allowed in the garden of the house and were completely isolated from the outside world. The children did not attend school during this time either.
Upon their release, the children were found to have suffered severe physical and psychological developmental delays. As a result, their parental rights have been revoked, and the children are now in the care of the state.
If found guilty, the couple could face a prison sentence of 25 years and 4 months each. The exact date for the criminal trial oral hearing has not yet been announced.
[1] Spanish Public Prosecutor's Office Charges German Couple with Child Abuse [2] Neighbours Alert Authorities to Child Abuse in Oviedo [3] German Couple Arrested for Allegedly Keeping Children Locked Up for Four Years [4] Children Suffer Severe Developmental Delays After Four Years of Confinement
[1] The trial for the German couple, accused of psychologically abusing and unlawfully confining their children for four years in Oviedo, Spain, is yet to be scheduled, despite facing charges of child abuse and neglect under health-and-wellness, mental-health, and lifestyle categories.
[2] The international incident, involving a family with dual German-U.S. citizenship, has raised concerns about general-news issues such as family dynamics and relationships, as well as the implications for crime-and-justice in cross-border cases.
[3] As the couple's court date approaches, experts discuss the long-term effects of the children's isolation on their physical and psychological development, shedding light on the importance of access to health-and-wellness and mental-health resources for all.
[4] The severe delays in the children's development thrust the city of Oviedo into the spotlight, underlining the need for vigilant neighbors to report suspicious activities and support overall well-being in local communities.
