Bodnariu case
The Bodnariu case is dispute between a Norwegian-Romanian family and Barnevernet, in which their five children were removed from custody after being accused of child abuse. This case regards an ongoing investigation.
Details
This case arose to public attention involving children of foreign nationals being removed from custody by Barnevernet. Marius and Ruth Bodnariu, a Romanian-Norwegian couple of Pentecostal faith are accused of violence against their children[1]
Under Norwegian law, authorities are obliged to respect both the children’s and the parents' right to privacy. Therefore, Barnevernet has not made details about the case public.[2]
On 16 November, Barnevernet took away the two eldest children from school and placed them into foster care. Then, accompanied by police officers, removed the other two children from the parents' home in Naustdal. Police detained Mr. and Mrs. Bodnariu for questioning but released them soon after. The next day, Barnevernet took custody of the youngest child for alleged safety reasons.[3] According to the Christian Post, the two older daughters have told investigators they were physically punished as they were taught that "God punishes sin". According to the family, court papers did not identify signs of physical abuse.[4]
On 30 November, an appeal against Barnevernet launched by the parents was rejected in court. They are allowed to visit their youngest son twice per week for two hours and two other boys once per week. The girls will not be seen by the parents.[4][5]
The Bodnariu spouses have admitted that they have physically disciplined their children, which is a criminal offence in Norway.[6] But they argue that the measure is far too severe in respect to the "mild spanking" they have applied to their children.[6]
On December 19, 2015, hundreds of Romanians protested in front of the Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest. [7] It was alleged that Barnevernet accused the family of religious indoctrination, which proved false. Representatives of the Leader Council of The Pentecostal Movement of Norway stated that they are not persecuted in Norway and that they find the Norwegian authorities treat people fairly and professionally.[8] They declined to comment on this specific case.[8][9]
The church is to convey Gods unconditional love towards children, and we find no reasonable theological arguments for using physical violence as punishment when children do something wrong. [9]— Sigmund T. Kristoffersen, Head of the Leader Council of the Pentecostal Movement of Norway
References
- ↑ "Do not use the word «persecution» lightly", Vårt Land.
- ↑ The Norwegian child welfare service – Children in cross-border situations (Updated 13.01), RO: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest.
- ↑ "Cinci copii de origine romana preluati de protectia copilului din Norvegia de la o familie din Bergen" [Five children of Romanian origin taken by the Norwegian child protection from their family], Jurnal de nord (in Romanian).
- 1 2 http://www.christianpost.com/news/christian-family-gets-5-children-taken-away-by-govt-for-teaching-god-punishes-sin-151693/[]
- ↑ http://www.christiantoday.com/article/christian.family.loses.appeal.against.removal.of.children.for.radicalism.and.indoctrination/72196.htm[]
- 1 2 http://www.hotnews.ro/stiri-esential-20708995-cazul-bodnariu-exemplu-ciocnire-civilizatiilor-autoritatile-norvegiene-luat-cei-cinci-copii-custodie-motiv-violenta-fizica-parintii-recunosc-palme-fund-dar-reclama-masuri-disproportionate-cronologia-e.htm
- ↑ http://www.tnp.no/norway/panorama/5174-hundreds-of-romanians-protest-in-bucharest-child-protection-service-of-norway
- 1 2 http://korsetsseier.no/2016/01/13/lederradet-pinsevenner-forfolges-ikke-av-barnevernet/
- 1 2 Press release: Pentecostals are not being persecuted by Norwegian authorities (PDF), RO: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest.