This story discusses suicide.If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).WASHINGTON, D.C.
— Christian parents whose two daughters were seized by the Swedish government more than three years ago brought their custody battle to Washington, D.C., on Friday.A crowd of Romanian-Americans gathered outside the Swedish Embassy in Washington on Friday morning to show their support for Daniel and Bianca Samson, Christian parents who have been separated from their daughters, Sara and Tiana, since December 2022.The years-long battle began after Sara, then 11, made a false abuse allegation against her parents, stemming from an argument over not being allowed to wear makeup or have a smartphone.Despite Sara quickly admitting she had lied, Swedish social services removed the girls from the home.BRAZIL PARENTS FACE PRISON SENTENCE FOR HOMESCHOOLING AFTER COURT ACCUSES THEM OF 'INTELLECTUAL NEGLECT'Supporters of Daniel and Bianca Samson rally before the Swedish embassy in Washington, D.C., on July 10, 2026.
(Cortney O'Brien/Fox News Digital)Prosecutors found no evidence of abuse, but the state refused to return the girls, citing the family’s habit of attending church three times a week and media choices as evidence of "religious extremism."In court, Daniel Samson said officials labeled the parents "religious extremists" to justify their separation.He said lawyers used their parenting choices against them, such as the girls not being allowed to paint their nails, the lack of a television in the home and the reading of Bible stories, which he said authorities called "violent."The case has drawn international outrage and support from the Romanian government.
Romanian Sen.Titus Corlatean and Chicago Pastor Cristian Ionescu traveled to speak at the D.C.
rally, which coincides with similar demonstrations planned this week in Brisbane, Stockholm, London, and Copenhagen.Daniel and Bianca S...