0
Social worker Luciana Martins, resident of Acrelandia, denounces that she lost her custody of her three children because of prejudice related to her African religion and her sexual orientation. According to her and her lawyer, Vladimir Rigon, the withdrawal of children was determined by means of a judicial injunction, based on unproven complaints and without any formal investigation.
The court even authorized assisted visits, but, according to the lawyer, the technical follow-up necessary to enable them is not available in Acreland/Photo: Reproduction
Currently, the children – two boys, 13 and 4, and a girl of 11 – are under the provisional guard of the maternal grandparents, parents of Luciana. One of them is also with the biological father, with whom she claims to have had a history of domestic violence. The mother claims that since the court decision, she has no direct contact with her children and that when they can communicate, it is hidden through third party cell phones or online games.
“Due to the non-acceptance of my family in relation to my religion and my sexual orientation, they, along with my ex-husband, who is almost a year and a half of late food pension, accused me of several crimes without proof. Through that, they removed my three children from me,” said Luciana.
The accusations include alleged illegal possession of firearms, supply of alcohol to minors and performing religious rituals involving children. However, according to lawyer Vladimir Rigon, there is no proof of the alleged crimes. “There has never been an investigation, expertise, home search or even a formal complaint. The decision was made based on unfounded reports and allegations. It is a serious measure, without consistent technical or legal support,” he said.
Luciana states that she was not heard previously, had no access to the right of defense before the removal of her children and that no psychosocial assessment was performed. “Six months have passed and I was never investigated. The authorities have failed in many ways. They put my children at risk,” he said.
The situation, she said, worsened with reports that her children would be suffering psychological violence and punishment for trying to keep in touch with her mother. The 11 -year -old daughter, who identifies herself with the faith practiced by Luciana, even reported suicidal thoughts. “She asked me for help. He said she tried to take her life. I’m afraid she tries again,” he said, thrilled.
The court even authorized assisted visits, but, according to the lawyer, the technical follow-up necessary to make them viable is not available in Acolândia. “The technician would have to be judicially designated from Rio Branco, and there has not yet been such referral. Meanwhile, the mother is still prevented from seeing her children,” Rigon explained.
Luciana is a spiritual leader of the Temple of Iansã and acted with young people in vulnerable situations, uniting social and spiritual reception. Since the beginning of the process, the temple has been closed. “My temple is closed out of fear. The persecution went beyond what I could imagine. I want you to look at me as a mother. I want my children back and the right to live with dignity,” he said.
The defense reported that it is gathering evidence in favor of Luciana and will request the revision of the judicial measure. “We hope that justice corrects this serious failure. Luciana does not refuse to be investigated. What cannot happen is that children are victims of a dispute powered by intolerance and prejudice,” concluded the lawyer.
