Drama in the custody process: Father complains about dirty laundry in court

Drama in the custody process: Father complains about dirty laundry in court

On the twelfth day of the trial surrounding the kidnapping of two children from Denmark, the father, Stephan Hensel, spoke. Loud Antenna Unna Hensel was questioned by the defense, discussing his personal conflicts, custody dispute and separation from his wife Christina Block in 2014. Particularly spicy: Hensel's lawyer criticized some questions as "dirty laundry" and Hensel himself felt like he was in a quiz show in this charming discussion.

Hensel's credibility began to waver when the defense brought allegations against him that his ex-wife Block vehemently denied. It is no coincidence that there is considerable public discussion about such allegations - especially in light of a recently published study by the German Institute for Human Rights. This study sheds light on the issue of domestic violence in the context of visitation and custody proceedings. The author Lena Franke notes that the legal situation often does not adequately take domestic violence into account, which makes legal reforms urgently necessary. The associated problem is that delicate problems can arise when balancing parental rights and children's rights. Experts are therefore demanding that the concerns of parents affected by violence receive more attention in the custody process.

The kidnapping and its consequences

A central point in Hensel's statement was the kidnapping of his children on New Year's Eve 2023/24, which was allegedly carried out by employees of an Israeli security company. He admitted to violating a court decision from the Hanseatic Higher Regional Court when he did not return the children to their mother after a visit in August 2021. Hensel unmistakably described the emotional consequences of his children, who found out about the trial through the media and were amazed that their mother was not telling the truth.

The relationship between the parents seems tense as ever. Hensel also pointed out that his children did not want the Block family to visit them in Denmark. Another exciting aspect is that his daughter has signaled that she wants to testify in court. However, this is not without challenges as the circumstances surrounding her statement are still unclear.

The defendants in focus

In addition to Hensel, there are six co-defendants in the case, including Block's partner, Gerhard Delling, who also claims to have done nothing wrong. An accused Israeli has already admitted his involvement in the repatriation operation. The Hamburg public prosecutor's office is expanding the investigation by looking for a total of six additional suspects who are currently in Israel.

Those involved are assured of public attention. Hensel expressed ambitious plans to travel to Israel to encourage further investigation, but the trip fell through for unspecified reasons. Amid this legal and emotional challenge, it remains uncertain how the situation will evolve for the children and the parents involved.

As the study author emphasizes in the context of the Istanbul Convention, a comprehensive view of domestic violence in custody and its resolution could pave a path to greater justice for affected families. At this point it is clear: something is happening and there is an urgent need for action on a political and social level.