Christian Parents in Sweden Lose Daughters as “Religious Extremists” Despite Weekly Church Attendance
The European Court dismissed the Samson family's case, leaving their daughters separated for over three years despite no abuse evidence, sparking concerns about Sweden's child protection and religious freedom.
In Sweden, in December 2022, social welfare services removed the two eldest daughters from their parents, Daniel and Bianca Samson. The incident was triggered by a complaint made by the eldest daughter, Sarah, then 11 years old, at her school. She had become upset because her parents would not allow her to have a mobile phone or wear makeup. She later retracted the complaint, and prosecutors found no evidence of abuse.
Nevertheless, the authorities did not return the girls. Instead, they labeled the family as “religious extremists” because they attended church three times a week. The Samsons, who originate from Romania, completed the parenting courses required by the state and were certified as competent parents. Despite this, the decision remained.
The daughters, Sarah and Tiana, are placed in separate foster families. Their health has deteriorated—they have attempted suicide—and they persistently ask to return home. The parents have tried to have them transferred to foster families in Romania, without success.
Sweden’s supreme court refused to review the case in 2025. The last hope was the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg. On March 10, 2026, a judge deemed the case inadmissible, stating that, according to the ruling, all domestic remedies had not been exhausted, despite the Swedish supreme court having already dismissed the case.
“We love our children,” said Daniel Samson.
We trusted Sweden to protect them—and when the truth came out, we expected them to come home. They remain away from us, and their mental health is worsening.
Their lawyer from Alliance Defending Freedom International, Guillermo A. Morales Sancho, expressed deep regret over the decision.
The family has been torn apart for over three years, even though the investigation fully cleared them of abuse allegations and social services certified their parenting ability after completing official training.
Social welfare services in Hässleholm are now proceeding with the final termination of the family ties and adoption of the girls.
