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Telegraph
02-05-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Father ‘who imposed Covid horror house lockdown' was philosopher
A German father who allegedly imposed an almost four-year Covid lockdown on his three children in a squalid 'house of horrors' was a HR manager with a doctorate in philosophy, it has emerged. Christian Steffen, 53, and his wife Melissa Ann, 48, are accused of imprisoning their eight-year-old twin boys and 10-year-old son in their rented villa in Oviedo, northern Spain, since October 2021. Officers raided the property on Monday and found a cesspit of a home in which the children were allegedly forced to wear nappies and three medical masks on top of one another. The guest bedroom had been turned into a dumping ground for the children's soiled nappies, and the bathroom by the twins' bedroom was occupied by a one-eyed cat with a huge tumour, the El Español newspaper reported. The married couple were allegedly terrified of catching Covid, and investigators said they found five oxygen-purifying ozone generators that were plugged in for 24 hours a day. It is claimed that Mr Steffen was the only person allowed to open the house's front door, where he picked up food orders delivered by the local supermarket. He was reportedly assisted in enforcing the restrictions by his wife, who Spanish press said weighed almost 22 stones and had 22 jars of Vaseline on her bedside table. All the blinds in the house were closed apart from those in the children's bedrooms, which had to be shut at 5.10pm every day. Children 'astonished at release' When officers led the children out of the home, they were astonished that they were finally allowed outside. One of them is said to have knelt on the grass, touching it with amazement. 'They had three masks each on top of each other. They were oblivious to any contact with reality,' one investigator said. 'They were very scared around the mother, who told us all the time that the little ones had serious pathologies and that we should not approach them.' Medical examinations conducted by a paediatrician found that all three children were suffering from 'severe constipation' as they would avoid defecating in their nappies for hours. A large number of used sanitary pads and tampons were said to have been found underneath the couple's double bed. Photos published in Spanish media show how the twins were allegedly kept in cribs meant for infants, on which they had drawn pictures of monsters. Images also reveal the parents had converted a guest room on the first floor into a classroom with a table, three chairs, human anatomy books and a world map. An online CV for Mr Steffen says he graduated in 2003 from the University of Hamburg with a doctorate in philosophy and a degree in 'pedagogics' that supposedly allowed him to teach at secondary schools. He was the author of a book released in 2005 called 'Heidegger as a Transcendental Philosopher: His Fundamental Ontology in Comparison with Kant's Critique of Pure Reason'. A Linkedin profile says he freelanced as a HR manager from April 2015 and had previously worked as a recruiter for a number of companies in Germany . The beginning of the end for the family's self-imposed lockdown began on April 14, when police launched an investigation into the children's welfare following a complaint from a neighbour. Police became increasingly suspicious when they realised the food deliveries dropped at the family home were too large for a single person. Neighbours thought house was empty After his force rescued the children, Chief Supt Francisco Javier Lozano described the property as a 'house of horror'. 'What could have led to this situation?' he told a press conference. 'Could the masks worn by parents and children be merely an incident? What motivated the arrival in Oviedo and this lifestyle?' Before the shocking discovery, neighbours believed the house was totally abandoned. Its landlord told the Spanish press: 'This news is a scandal. In the four years I've rented the house to this German couple with three children, I never saw anyone, not a man, a woman, the children, a dog, or a cat. 'As far as I could see, there was no one there, and therefore no activity Just a few metres from the house is the convent of the Discalced Carmelites, home to a community of cloistered nuns whose sole contact with the outside world is through selling doughnuts, cakes, and biscuits. One of the nuns, Sister Teresa, said: 'We thought it was empty because the garden wasn't maintained, and there was no sign of life inside. 'A married couple with children had previously lived in that chalet, and later a couple with greyhounds, but since the latter left, we thought no one was living there any more.' Marta del Arca, the regional welfare minister, said the General Directorate of Children and Families has assumed custody of the three children. The couple are being investigated on suspicion of domestic violence, psychological mistreatment and child abandonment, and have been remanded into custody following their arrest.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Father ‘who imposed Covid horror house lockdown' was philosopher
A German father who allegedly imposed an almost four-year Covid lockdown on his three children in a squalid 'house of horrors' was a HR manager with a doctorate in philosophy, it has emerged. Christian Steffen, 53, and his wife Melissa Ann Steffen, 48, are accused of imprisoning their eight-year-old twin boys and 10-year-old son in their rented villa in Oviedo, northern Spain, since October 2021. Officers raided the property on Monday and found a cesspit of a home in which the children were allegedly forced to wear nappies and three medical masks on top of one another. The guest bedroom had been turned into a dumping ground for the children's soiled nappies and the bathroom by the twins' bedroom was occupied by a one-eyed cat with a huge tumour, the El Español newspaper reported. The married couple were allegedly terrified of catching Covid, and investigators said they found five oxygen-purifying ozone generators that were plugged in for 24 hours a day. It is claimed that Mr Steffen was the only person allowed to open the house's front door, where he picked up food orders delivered by the local supermarket. He was reportedly assisted in enforcing the restrictions by his wife, who Spanish press said weighed almost 22 stones and had 22 jars of Vaseline on her bedside table. All the blinds in the house were closed apart from those in the children's bedrooms, which had to be shut at 5.10pm every day. When officers led the children out of the home, they were astonished they were finally allowed outside. One of them is said to have knelt on the grass, touching it with amazement. 'They had three masks each on top of each other. They were oblivious to any contact with reality,' one investigator said. 'They were very scared around the mother, who told us all the time that the little ones had serious pathologies and that we should not approach them.' Medical examinations conducted by a paediatrician found that all three children were suffering from 'severe constipation' as they would avoid defecating in their nappies for hours. A large number of used sanitary pads and tampons were said to have been found underneath the couple's double bed. Photos published in Spanish media show how the twins were allegedly kept in cribs meant for infants, on which they had drawn pictures of monsters. Images also reveal the parents had converted a guest room on the first floor into a classroom with a table, three chairs, human anatomy books and a world map. An online CV for Mr Steffen says he graduated in 2003 from the University of Hamburg with a doctorate in philosophy and a degree in 'pedagogics' that supposedly allowed him to teach at secondary schools. He was the author of a book released in 2005 called 'Heidegger as a Transcendental Philosopher: His Fundamental Ontology in Comparison with Kant's Critique of Pure Reason'. A Linkedin profile says he freelanced as a HR manager from April 2015 and had previously worked as a recruiter for a number of companies in Germany . The beginning of the end for the family's self-imposed lockdown began on April 14, when police launched an investigation into the children's welfare following a complaint from a neighbour. Police became increasingly suspicious when they realised the food deliveries dropped at the family home were too large for a single person. After his force rescued the children, Chief Supt Francisco Javier Lozano described the property as a 'house of horror'. 'What could have led to this situation?' he told a press conference. 'Could the masks worn by parents and children be merely an incident? What motivated the arrival in Oviedo and this lifestyle?' Before the shocking discovery, neighbours believed the house was totally abandoned. Its landlord told the Spanish press: 'This news is a scandal. In the four years I've rented the house to this German couple with three children, I never saw anyone, not a man, a woman, the children, a dog, or a cat. 'As far as I could see, there was no one there, and therefore no activity Just a few metres from the house is the convent of the Discalced Carmelites, home to a community of cloistered nuns whose sole contact with the outside world is through selling doughnuts, cakes, and biscuits. One of the nuns, Sister Teresa, said: 'We thought it was empty because the garden wasn't maintained, and there was no sign of life inside. 'A married couple with children had previously lived in that chalet, and later a couple with greyhounds, but since the latter left, we thought no one was living there any more.' Marta del Arca, the regional welfare minister, said the General Directorate of Children and Families has assumed custody of the three children. The couple are being investigated on suspicion of domestic violence, psychological mistreatment and child abandonment, and have been remanded into custody following their arrest. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Morocco World
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Ceuta President Joins Spanish FM in Firmly Rejecting ‘New Green March' Claims
Doha – The President of Ceuta, Juan Jesús Vivas, categorically dismissed on Tuesday any possibility of Morocco attempting to invade the enclave through a 'new Green March,' echoing recent statements by Spain's Foreign Minister who also rejected such speculation. Speaking at the Fórum Europa breakfast event organized by Nueva Economía Fórum in Madrid, Vivas was emphatic: 'I have no concern whatsoever, and I say this with complete sincerity, that Ceuta could be affected by any risk of a possible Green March on our city. It is absolutely out of the question, and I say this with total conviction.' Vivas warned that spreading unfounded messages about potential Moroccan actions against Ceuta would be counterproductive, potentially undermining 'the establishment of the population in Ceuta,' which he considers necessary 'to generate that climate of confidence in the future' that the city 'needs to progress and advance.' 'There is not the slightest risk of such a contingency. As I said before, Ceuta's sovereignty is guaranteed by the constitutional order and by the State, regardless of the political color of the national Government. Ceuta is Spain because the law proves it, because history praises it, and because the people of Ceuta want it, all the people of Ceuta,' Vivas concluded. His statements come just a day after Spanish Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, made similar assertions in a Telecinco interview. Albares firmly stated that the relationship between Donald Trump and Morocco would 'in no way' negatively impact Spain's territories in North Africa. Read also: Spanish King, Government Under Scrutiny for Diplomatic Fouls Impacting Morocco-Spain Ties 'Morocco is a friendly country and a strategic partner, and the United States has historically been the natural ally of all Europeans,' Albares said, adding that both enclaves 'are perfectly integrated within Spain, and this is clear to everyone.' The Foreign Minister also stressed recent progress in Spanish-Moroccan relations, including the reopening of the Melilla customs and the opening of a new one in Ceuta, as well as cooperation in fighting immigration and terrorism, and record trade reaching €25 billion. These official statements come in response to a flurry of Spanish media reports suggesting potential threats to Ceuta and Melilla under Trump's presidency. El Español recently published an article titled 'Fear in Ceuta and Melilla of a new Green March by Morocco with Trump's support,' which was subsequently picked up by other Spanish outlets. Several Spanish publications have expressed concern that Trump might recognize Moroccan sovereignty over these territories, similar to his 2020 recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. El Español reported that 'in military circles, there is speculation about the possibility of a 'new Green March with Trump's support,'' particularly as 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of Morocco's recovery of its southern provinces. The Spanish outlets also noted the strengthening US-Morocco relationship, with Morocco's 2025 military budget reportedly exceeding €12 billion, a 7% increase from 2024, and the country becoming 'a major buyer of US weapons.' However, both Vivas and Albares have firmly rejected these concerns, with Vivas specifically choosing not to speculate when asked if delays in opening commercial customs could be related to Morocco's expectations regarding Western Sahara. 'We consider that relations between Spain and Morocco are a matter of State, and we have always stood by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regardless of whatever political color the minister, the head of that department, might have,' Vivas stated. He further advocated for 'conventional' customs 'without other limits and restrictions than what the law or logistical capacities establish.' Tags: Ceuta-MelillaMorocco Spanish Relations
Morocco World
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Spanish FM Dismisses Media Frenzy Over Ceuta, Melilla
Rabat – Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares has dismissed concerns that the good relationship between US President Donald Trump and Morocco will have any effect on the situation of the two enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla. Albares' comments follow the emergence of several media reports in Spain speculating that Trump will recognize Morocco's sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, in what some referred to as a possible 'new Green March' toward the two enclaves. Albares spoke to Telecinco about his country's relationship with Morocco, describing the North African country as 'a friendly country and strategic partner,' while 'the United States has been and remains the natural ally of all Europeans.' Speaking of the enclaves, the Spanish minister reminded of their legal and administrative status within Spain noting that it is clear to everyone. He further mentioned cooperation and respect as the basis for the good relations that tie both countries. In this concern, he brought the recent agreements between Spain and Morocco to reopen customs in Melilla and establish a new customs crossing in Ceuta, reflecting the ongoing bilateral understanding between Madrid and Rabat. Albares also pointed to strong cooperation on irregular migration and counter-terrorism efforts, along with record-breaking trade exchanges totaling €25 billion, which displays the strong economic relationship between the two countries. The minister's statements come in response to speculation in some Spanish media outlets, particularly a headline in El Español suggesting 'fears in Ceuta and Melilla of Morocco repeating the Green March scenario with Trump's support.' Albares dismissed this discussion as absurd, confirming there are no genuine concerns within the two cities, and noting that local political leaders have not engaged with these claims. Read also: Spanish Media: Trump May Recognize Ceuta, Melilla as Moroccan Territory The controversy was reignited after the recirculation of Trump's statement during his first term: 'Today I signed a declaration recognizing Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara. Morocco's autonomy proposal is the only serious and realistic option for a just and lasting solution that brings enduring peace and prosperity.' El Español recently asserted that following Trump's recent attacks on Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his position on the Ukraine war 'make any scenario in international politics now plausible.' Despite this statement not being new, some media outlets have amplified it, sparking speculation about potential implications for Ceuta and Melilla – a scenario firmly rejected by Minister Albares. Tags: Ceuta-MelillaDonald TrumpMorocco spain
Morocco World
24-02-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Spanish Media: Trump May Recognize Ceuta, Melilla as Moroccan Territory
Doha – Spanish media outlets have intensified their coverage of what they perceive as 'growing threats' to Ceuta and Melilla, with several publications expressing alarm over potential shifts in the cities' status under Donald Trump's second US presidency. 'In the realm of security, there is concern that Trump could make an announcement about Ceuta and Melilla similar to what he did about Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara,' El Español stated in its analysis published yesterday. 'In Melilla, we are watching expectantly for the repercussions of this alliance, even though relations between Spain and Morocco are currently good,' declared Amin Azmani from Somos Melilla, as quoted by El Español. The publication revealed that in Ceuta, Trump's rapport, specifically with the Alaouite monarchy, is viewed 'with distrust and some resentment.' El Español asserted that Trump's recent attacks on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his position on the Ukraine war 'make any scenario in international politics now plausible.' 'Politicians and institutions in the two Spanish autonomous cities are reluctant to speak publicly about this issue and prefer to focus on more immediate matters, such as the opening of commercial customs,' El Español disclosed, while pointing out that 'among military and security experts there is concern.' As US-Morocco ties bolster, Spain fears it's the outlier In this context, another Spanish outlet, The Objective, projected its take on an even starker warning in its Saturday analysis, titling its piece: 'Ukraine is alone against Russia and Spain will be alone against Morocco.' The opinion article championed a direct parallel between the two situations, elaborating that 'half of Europe is dismayed because Trump's USA has abandoned Ukraine.' The publication claimed that 'the only country that threatens to occupy Spanish territory is Morocco,' citing actions in Canary waters, the Perejil Island incident, and Spain's concession of its administrative authority in the Sahara. 'The lesson for Spain from Ukraine is this: if you trust your defense to external powers, the day will come when you see your protectors negotiating with your enemies,' The Objective cautioned. Yet another publication, Vozpópuli, in turn, unveiled a previously unknown historical precedent that has heightened these concerns. According to former Spanish Defense Minister Federico Trillo, during the 2002 Perejil Island crisis, 'the United States warned Morocco and called to offer us a negotiation, which involved giving them the Chafarinas Islands and Peñón de la Gomera.' El Español pointed out that bilateral relations between Morocco and the US have reached 'unprecedented levels,' quoting King Mohammed VI's words. The publication stressed that this relationship has flourished particularly since Trump's 2020 recognition of Morocco's sovereignty over the Sahara. Additionally, the Spanish media source noted Trump's apparent antipathy toward Spain's government from the start of his new term. El Español reported that after criticizing Spain's defense spending as 'low, very low,' Trump incorrectly included Spain among the BRICS countries, threatening them with '100% tariffs.' The publication added that Trump has also eliminated Spanish-language White House websites and social media. Washington embraces Rabat as Madrid watches helplessly Amid this perceived shift, the Spanish outlets also bring forward Morocco's growing military capabilities, with El Español reporting that Morocco's 2025 military budget exceeds €12 billion, representing a 7% increase from 2024. 'Morocco has become a major buyer of US weapons,' El Español stated, noting that 'in its particular arms race, it has been progressively increasing its budget.' The Iberian media also voiced concern over recent US-Morocco military cooperation. El Español reported that on February 10, US Joint Chiefs Chairman General CQ Brown and Moroccan Armed Forces Inspector General Mohammed Berrid reaffirmed their commitment to enhance security cooperation in the Maghreb and Sahel regions. Congressman Joe Wilson was quoted by El Español warning against the 'threat' posed by what he termed 'the Polisario terrorist militia' and its supporters to stability in West Africa. The publication noted that Morocco has long sought US designation of the Polisario Front as a terrorist organization. El Español further disclosed that Trump's administration has already demonstrated its priorities by excluding Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez from its first round of contacts, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio promptly called Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. 'Rabat immediately issued a statement highlighting the 'Moroccan-American strategic partnership,'' El Español noted. The publications repeatedly stressed that Ceuta and Melilla lack NATO protection, making them particularly vulnerable. 'In military circles, there is speculation about the possibility of a 'new Green March with Trump's support,'' El Español revealed, referencing the 50th anniversary of Morocco's recovery of its southern provinces. The Center for Higher National Defense Studies (CESEDEN), under Spain's Ministry of Defense, was quoted by El Español affirming that 'the US now prioritizes its relationship with Morocco over Spain as an 'important regional partner' in the Mediterranean.' These reports emerge as Morocco continues to strengthen its international position, with its autonomy plan for the Sahara gaining increasing support, including Spain's backing announced in 2022. El Español noted that one of Morocco's aspirations is for the United States to open a consulate in Dakhla, which would further affirm Moroccan sovereignty over the Sahara. Read also: Spanish Analyst: Morocco, Spain May Share Sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla by 2030 Tags: Ceuta-MelillaDonald TrumpMorocco spain
