Authorities in Catalonia are examining a case in which two siblings were kept away from outside contact for years. The situation reportedly began in one home in Matadepera, near Barcelona, and later moved to a residence in Arbucies, Girona. This description comes from updates provided by local media and police sources as the investigation unfolds.
According to a report shared with EFE and confirmed by Mossos d’Esquadra, the investigation opened on March 1 after the incident was brought to light. The eldest sister, now 24, told reporters she and her brother, who is now 18, were kept isolated from family and public life for an extended period, with limited or no access to documentation, technology, or external communication. The accounts indicate a prolonged separation from ordinary social contact.
Residents described the children as living in a fenced farmhouse that was difficult to access, a setting that accompanied a relocation from Matadepera where the family had resided for years. There is no record of formal schooling or engagement with Primary Care services during the period in question, raising questions about the children’s education and healthcare access. The Arbucies Local Police documented the case and forwarded it to the court in Santa Coloma de Farners, Girona, which subsequently ordered the Mossos d’Esquadra to continue the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the confinement.
As the inquiry proceeded, sources within the Catalan police indicated that the parents were questioned on March 3 and that statements were collected from the two siblings involved. The authorities reported no complaints being filed by the children against their parents during these initial proceedings. Family members and associates reportedly described the siblings as choosing to remain in the family home, though officials emphasized that the legal process would determine whether any wrongdoing occurred and what safeguards are needed for the children’s welfare. The information was disclosed to EFE by close observers familiar with the case, who noted that the siblings had expressed a desire to stay with their family, underlining the complexity often found in cases of potential prolonged isolation. (Sources: EFE; Punt Avui)
The unfolding case highlights ongoing concerns about whether children can be kept out of sight and out of the public sphere for extended periods, what constitutes adequate supervision, and how authorities should respond when suspected neglect or deprivation is reported. As investigators gather more evidence, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and rights of the two siblings while evaluating the actions of the adults involved. The matter continues to develop as the legal process moves forward, with authorities balancing protective measures for the children against the parents’ stated intentions and the family’s historical circumstances. (Official updates: Mossos d’Esquadra; Santa Coloma de Farners court records)