A father who is divorced and has two young sons was discovered wandering in the countryside after reportedly being abandoned by their mother. He emphasized that the children will need to reconstruct their lives.
The mother, Marine Rousseau, aged 41, and her partner Marc Ballabriga, aged 55, were apprehended by authorities last Thursday, following an incident where they allegedly left the boys, aged three and five, in the woods after blindfolding them before driving away.
The boys were found walking near Alcacer do Sal, Portugal, looking distressed and tearful by a local baker on his way to work. The children are currently in temporary care until arrangements are finalized for their return to France.
The French government has formally requested the repatriation of the two youngsters.
The father, who opted to remain anonymous, has recently addressed the incident publicly for the first time. He expressed his constant anticipation of a call from Portuguese officials informing him to collect his children.
In an interview with the French TV channel Ici Alsace TV, he stated, “I am eagerly awaiting the return of my children. Ever since the Colmar police contacted me about their disappearance, they have been on my mind every second.”
Regarding the future well-being of his children, he remarked, “My kids will need to start afresh, just as I had to rebuild my life. It is crucial that they are not reminded of this tragedy regularly. I am not trying to justify or downplay what occurred – it is profoundly disturbing.”
The father separated from Rousseau two years ago and currently has supervised visitation rights. He mentioned that he will speak further only after being reunited with his children.
Rousseau appeared in court in Setubal, singing to herself before the proceedings commenced, which extended until midnight. Both she and Ballabriga are facing charges of child abandonment and endangerment, with Ballabriga also charged with aggravated assault.
The judge has ordered them to be detained pending their next court appearance.
