Daniel and Bianca Samson, a Christian couple from Romania living in Sweden, had their two daughters, Sara and Tiana, taken by Swedish authorities after being branded religious extremists. The family has been battling for custody since December 2022, when the girls were placed in foster care.
Background of the Custody Battle
The conflict began when Sara, then 11, argued with her parents over restrictions on makeup and smartphone use. She made a false abuse allegation against her parents, which she later recanted. Despite her retraction, Swedish authorities refused to return the girls to their parents, citing no evidence of abuse but claiming the family's church attendance indicated religious extremism.
Court Proceedings and Allegations
In court, Daniel Samson stated that lawyers used the family's rules—such as no nail painting, no TV, and daily Bible reading—as evidence of extremism. The couple has filed a case against Sweden at the European Court of Human Rights, represented by Alliance Defending Freedom International.
According to the Samsons, both daughters have attempted suicide since being removed. The eldest is now in a psychiatric facility for adults.
International Support and Political Reaction
Christians in Washington, D.C., rallied in support of the family on July 10, 2026, with similar demonstrations planned in London, Brisbane, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. Chicago Pastor Cristian Ionescu told Fox News that parents who do not conform to secular worldviews are being persecuted.
Romanian politician Titus Corlatean proposed a Senate resolution in June demanding Sweden return the girls, accusing Sweden of violating international law. He described the situation as horrible and desperate.
Sweden's embassy to the US declined to comment on the individual case but stated that all citizens have equal rights and freedoms regardless of religion, and that social services ensure children's safety.
