Three children ‘rescued’

Three children in Oviedo, Spain — 10-year-old and 8-year-old twins — were reportedly found living in abusive, prison-like conditions after being locked inside their home by their German parents since December 2021. Despite the end of pandemic restrictions, the children were forced to wear multiple masks and were never allowed outside. Their behavior upon rescue — like being fascinated by grass and snails — showed how isolated they had been. Authorities were alerted after a neighbor filed a school absence complaint, and surveillance showed only the father left the home for groceries.

When police entered the house, they found the mother putting masks on the children and warning that they were “very sick.” The home was filthy, filled with garbage, medication, and what officials called a “pathogenic environment.” The children, who slept in cribs and appeared psychologically damaged, showed no signs of illness. They were taken to a juvenile care center, while the parents — who reportedly suffer from “COVID syndrome” — were arrested and face charges including domestic violence, psychological abuse, and child abandonment. Authorities described the situation as shocking and deeply disturbing, highlighting the long-term mental effects the pandemic may have had on some individuals.