Judge verifies health of girl illegally taken to Argentina; child reunited with mother

Judge Natalia Ortellado presided over a hearing to confirm the well-being of a two-year-old girl who was illegally transported to Argentina by her father. The child has since been safely reunited with her mother in Paraguay.

During the hearing, Judge Ortellado emphasized the importance for both parents to comply with existing laws as the case progresses. While she declined to provide specific details about the father's situation, who is currently detained in Argentina, her primary focus was to ensure the minor's health and remind the parents of their legal obligations.

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The idea is that all parties can see that the girl is well and warn both parents that we have to adhere to the laws and continue the process to have a sentence.

"The idea is that all parties can see that the girl is well and warn both parents that we have to adhere to the laws and continue the process to have a sentence," Ortellado stated. She clarified that her role was to verify the child's condition and caution the parents, stressing that Paraguay is a sovereign nation that respects human rights and its own legislation.

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The girl is in Paraguay with her mother, in the situation that is in the file and I cannot mention. My obligation as a judge is to ascertain that she is well and to warn both parents to adhere to Paraguayan rules and processes. We are a sovereign country, respectful of human rights, of legislation.

The judge acknowledged that parental migration issues can sometimes lead to such conflicts but reiterated her commitment to reminding both parties of their legal duties. The father participated in the hearing virtually, alongside the mother, legal representatives, a psychologist, and the Consul.

Ortellado confirmed the child is well and expressed hope for a peaceful resolution to allow the child to reconnect with her family. The father had previously been granted a visitation order as part of an international restitution case. With the child's recovery, that case will now proceed, potentially leading to a sentence next week. The mother expressed gratitude for the support received during the ordeal, stating her sole objective is her daughter's protection. Prosecutors have requested the father be charged with contempt of court and violation of parental duty for failing to return the minor.

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It was to warn them that we carry this case peacefully, there is a two-year-old girl who needs everyone to mend ties. Now we continue to finish ruling with a sentence according to our Sovereign.