The Norwegian authorities have indicted Marius and Ruth Bodnariu for violence against minors, according to Norway Info, reports local News.ro.

The Bodnariu family had their children taken away by the Norwegian child protection services (Barnevernet) last year.

The family’s lawyers confirmed the information that Marius and Ruth Bodnariu have been indicted for child abuse. According to Ruth Bodnariu’s lawyer Ingrid Breistein, Ruth has admitted partial guilt.

The Bodnariu family has been living in Norway for more than ten years. However, their lives changed when the Barnevernet decided to take their five children and place them in foster homes for alleged mistreatment.

The case triggered many reactions and protests in Romania and abroad as thousands rallied in front of Norway’s embassies asking that the children be returned to their family. Due to the high public pressure, the Naustdal Municipality in Norway has agreed to return all of the Bodnarius' five children in June this year.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com

(Photo source: Bodnariufamily.org)