The divorced father of two young boys who were allegedly abandoned in the woods by their mother has broken his silence, expressing hope that he will see his children again within days. The children, aged three and five, were found wandering near a rural road in Alcacer do Sal, Portugal, after being reportedly blindfolded and left by their mother and her boyfriend.
Father's Emotional Statement
Speaking to French television channel Ici Alsace TV, the father, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "It's only a matter of days before I get my children back. I think about them every second since the Colmar police station contacted me to tell me they were missing." He added that he keeps his phone close at all times, awaiting a call from Portuguese authorities to arrange pickup.
The father, who divorced Marine Rousseau two years ago and has limited supervised visitation rights, acknowledged the long-term impact on his sons. "My children will have to rebuild their lives, just as I rebuilt mine, and they don’t need to be constantly reminded of this tragedy. I'm not trying to defend or minimise what happened - it's deeply shocking," he said.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
Marine Rousseau, 41, and her boyfriend Marc Ballabriga, 55, were arrested last Thursday, two days after the alleged abandonment. They face charges of child abandonment, endangerment, and aggravated assault. Appearing in a Portuguese court on Friday, Rousseau remained silent throughout the proceedings, which lasted until midnight. The couple is accused of blindfolding the boys, leaving them in the woods, and driving off.
The children were found by a local baker on his way to work, appearing "distraught" and "crying" as they walked by the side of the road. They have been placed in temporary care until arrangements are made for their return to France.
Community and Legal Response
The case has drawn widespread attention, with many expressing shock at the alleged cruelty. Portuguese authorities are coordinating with French social services to ensure the children's welfare. The father's statement underscores the emotional toll on the family, as he awaits reunification and the start of a long healing process for his sons.
