Father Charged with Kidnapping After 9-Year-Old Son Found Imprisoned for Over a Year

In connection with the case of a 9-year-old boy discovered after being confined in his father's van for over a year in eastern France, the boy's father will stand trial on charges of child kidnapping. The boy was discovered after a neighbor heard noises from the van and reported it.

At the time of discovery, the boy was malnourished and unable to walk, lying on a pile of garbage and excrement. The boy stated he had not showered since November 2024 and was subsequently transported to the hospital.

The boy's father claimed he confined the child in the van in November 2024 to protect him from his partner, who allegedly intended to send the son to a psychiatric facility. However, prosecutors stated there is no medical record indicating the boy had psychiatric issues.

The boy's 12-year-old sister and the father's partner's 10-year-old daughter are currently under the protection of social welfare services.