Both NJ.com and MSNBC report on a startling development in the tragic battle by an American father to regain custody of his son who was kidnapped to Brazil five years ago.
A Brazilian judge has ruled that David Goldman should have custody of his son.
However, there is just one big, ridiculous catch: David Goldman can “have custody” of his son for only six days a week, from Monday 9 AM until Saturday 8 PM, and…in Brazil.
This arrangement is supposed to be in effect until a ruling on Sean Goldman’s permanent custody is given—whenever that may be.
There are reports of a video tape allegedly recorded in a psychiatric facility, where Sean Goldman allegedly is “interrogated” for 30 to 40 minutes from behind a one-way mirror, and says that he wants to stay in Brazil.
David Goldman’s attorney says such an interrogation “goes beyond the bounds of human decency and is a human rights violation.”
New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, who has stood behind David Goldman all the way, says, “This is not a good status quo, it is not even a good interim solution. What is [Goldman] supposed to do…stay in a hotel?”
And, on the taped “interrogation,” “It has all the earmarks and markings of a hostage situation.”
An obviously disappointed David Goldman says, “It’s nothing short of tragic…the pain is beyond unbearable.”
His goal continues to be to bring his son back home, for good, unconditionally, no strings attached.
In the meantime, U.S. and Brazilian lawyers are preparing to respond in this latest round of an international custody battle that has already gone on for much too long.
