Daniel and Bianca Samson have been battling for custody of their children for four years.

11:31, Mon, Jul 13, 2026 Updated: 11:47, Mon, Jul 13, 2026

The Samsons pictured with their daughters,Sara and Tiana

Daniel and Bianca Samson are battling for custody of their children, Sara and Tiana (Image: Family handout via Alliance Defending Freedom International)

A Christian couple branded "religious extremists" had their two daughters taken from them by the Swedish government. Daniel and Bianca Samson have been battling for custody of their children, Sara and Tiana, since the family was separated in December 2022.

The battle began after Sara, who at the time was 11-years-old, got into a row with her parents over not being allowed to wear makeup or have a smartphone. She made a false abuse allegation against her mum and dad, but despite later admitting she was not telling the truth, authorities in Sweden refused to release the girls from foster care.

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While there was no evidence of abuse, Sweden argued that the family's church attendance was evidence of religious extremism.

In a legal battle between the Swedish authorities and the girls' parents, Mr Samson told the court he and his wife had been labelled "religious extremists".

He claimed lawyers used their family rules against them, including not allowing the girls to paint their nails, no TV and the reading of Bible stories.

The Samsons have filed a case against Sweden at the European Court of Human Rights, according to their legal team, Alliance Defending Freedom International.

Christians in Washington DC rallied in support of the family, which hails from Romania, on Friday (July 10).

Chicago Pastor Cristian Ionescu spoke at the rally, which coincided with demonstrations planned in London, Brisbane, Stockholm and Copenhagen.

Mr Ionescu told Fox News parents who did not cooperate with a worldview which went against Christian values were being "persecuted".

Since they were removed from their parents, both girls have attempted to take their own lives, according to Mr Samson. He said his eldest daughter has been living in a psychiatric facility for adults.

Romanian politician, Titus Corlatean, put forward a proposal in the country's Senate in June demanding Sweden return the girls.

He accused Sweden of violating its diplomatic relationship with Romania and international law. Mr Corlatean told Fox News: "It's horrible, and it's a desperate situation."

Sweden's embassy to the US said it could not comment on individual cases, but everyone in the country has the same rights and freedoms regardless of their race, sex, religion, origins or status.

It added: "Swedish social services employ social workers with specialised knowledge about children’s needs.

"The social welfare committee in the municipality where the child resides is responsible for ensuring that children grow up in a safe environment."