Contested Child, 9-Year-Old Taken Away From Father in Romania

Oana Iuliana Hancianu, a 37-year-old originally from Bucharest but an Italian citizen, has launched a desperate appeal for her 9-year-old son Arnaud, who was taken away by his ex-partner Moez Adin Youssef, a 32-year-old of Syrian origins.

The man, ignoring a Romanian court ruling ordering his deportation to Italy, refused to hand over the child to police officers. “Arnaud, I am fighting with all my strength to bring you home. Stay where you are, don’t run away,” Oana said.

Oana's worries intensify, especially because she fears that her father might take the child to Syria, her family's country of origin. After filing a complaint for child abduction, the Italian authorities have activated a 'yellow code' for the search for missing persons through Interpol. The story has roots in episodes of domestic violence that characterized the relationship between Oana and Moez.

Episodes of violence

Oana reported numerous episodes of abuse and threats by Arnaud's father, culminating in physical attacks that caused her injuries. "Bitch, you'll see what I'll do to you, I'll shut up now but I have no idea what I'll do to you," she allegedly threatened her ex-partner. Her complaint led to the opening of an investigation that led to a request for a referral to trial for personal injury and abuse.

The kidnapping

Little Arnaud was taken away illegally by his father while he was staying with his paternal grandparents in Italy, transferred to Romania where he was never seen by his mother again. Oana initiated international procedures for the recovery of her son, requesting the intervention of the Italian Central Authority. In January, the Bucharest court ruled that the child's detention was unlawful, ordering his immediate repatriation.

Appeal to the community

The Milan prosecutor's office is investigating the child abduction, while Oana's lawyers fear that the father may have obtained false documents for the child. "There is a real and present danger that the minor will be transferred outside the European Union," Oana said in the complaint. Lawyer Alexandro Maria Tirelli expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the Romanian authorities' intervention and called on the Italian ambassador to take action to ensure Arnaud's safety and compliance with international agreements.