Bodnariu case

The Bodnariu case is a dispute between a Norwegian-Romanian family and the Barnevernet, in which their five children were removed from custody after the parents were accused of using physical discipline against their children. It was alleged that the case was based around religious issues, which has prompted Christian groups and individuals to protest the Norwegian authorities' action.

This case is 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 using physical discipline 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] Romanian senator Titus Corlatean issued a statement noting the Bodnariu case and condemned Barnevernet's action.[8] The Permanent Bureau of the Romanian Pentecostal Church issued a statement in support of the family and called on the Romanian President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to do whatever they legally can so that the family may regain custody of their children.[9] On December 19, 2015, hundreds of Romanians protested in front of the Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest.[7] Valeriu Zgonea, President of the Chamber of Deputies of Romania, has pledged to support the return of the children to the Bodnariu family.[10]

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.[11] They declined to comment on this specific case.[11][12]

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.[12]
— Sigmund T. Kristoffersen, Head of the Leader Council of the Pentecostal Movement of Norway

References

  1. ↑ "Do not use the word «persecution» lightly", Vårt Land, retrieved 2016-02-17
  2. ↑ "The Norwegian child welfare service – Children in cross-border situations (Updated 13.01)". RO: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  3. ↑ "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), retrieved 2016-02-17
  4. 1 2 "Christian Family Gets 5 Children Taken Away by Gov't for Teaching God Punishes Sin". Christianpost.com. 2015-12-04. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  5. ↑ Mark Woods (2015-12-01). "Christian family loses appeal against removal of children for 'radicalism and indoctrination' | Christian News on Christian Today". Christiantoday.com. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  6. 1 2 "Cazul Bodnariu, exemplu de ciocnire a civilizatiilor. Autoritatile norvegiene au luat cei cinci copii in custodie pe motiv de violenta fizica, parintii recunosc "palme la fund", dar reclama masuri disproportionate. Cronologia evenimentelor - Esential". HotNews.ro. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  7. 1 2 "Hundreds of Romanians Protest in Bucharest Child Protection Service of Norway - The Nordic Page - Panorama". Tnp.no. 2015-12-20. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  8. ↑ "Senatul României". Senat.ro. 2012-04-24. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  9. ↑ "Comunicat referitor la situația familiei Bodnariu - Cultul Creștin Penticostal". Cultulpenticostal.ro. 2015-12-02. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  10. ↑ "Zgonea, despre cazul Bodnariu:Voi folosi canalele diplomației parlamentare pentru a pleda în favoarea returnării copiilor – AGERPRES". Agerpres.ro. 2015-12-20. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  11. 1 2 Karl Andreas Jahr (2016-01-13). "– Pinsevenner forfølges ikke av barnevernet | Korsets Seier". Korsetsseier.no. Retrieved 2016-02-17.
  12. 1 2 Press release: Pentecostals are not being persecuted by Norwegian authorities (PDF), RO: Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bucharest, retrieved 2016-02-17
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