A French woman and her five children have been rescued in Pakistan after she accused her husband of keeping the family confined and abusing them for more than a decade.
Police arrested the suspect after one of the couple’s sons secretly left the house and reported the situation to authorities. The report prompted officers to raid the family’s home in Bara, a remote town in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Son’s Courage Leads to Rescue
According to police officials, the family’s son managed to escape from the house and seek help. His actions led authorities directly to the property.
When officers entered the home, they found the woman and her children living in a small and severely neglected room. Police said all family members showed visible signs of physical abuse, including bruises.
The rescued family was immediately moved to a women’s shelter in Peshawar, where they are now receiving protection and support.
Woman Claims Family Lost Freedom for Years
The woman, identified as 54 year old Sylvie Yasmina, said her husband had controlled the family’s lives since they moved from Australia to Pakistan in 2014.
She alleged that he prevented them from interacting with other people and cut them off from the outside world. According to her statement, the family lived in isolation for years.
Yasmina also claimed that her husband physically and mentally abused family members on a daily basis. She said the family lived under constant fear and pressure.
Children’s Education Severely Affected
Authorities stated that the couple’s two older children were unable to continue their education after the family relocated to Pakistan.
The three younger children were born in Pakistan. However, they never attended school because of the family’s isolation.
Officials believe the children missed important educational opportunities during the years they remained confined.
Family Plans Return to France
Police said Yasmina and her children intend to return to France once legal and administrative procedures are completed.
Investigators also revealed that the suspect is a Pakistani national. Authorities claim he was living illegally in Australia when he first met Yasmina.
The couple married in 2003 and spent several years living in Australia before moving to Pakistan with their children.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to gather evidence regarding the family’s allegations.
Investigation Continues
Law enforcement officials are examining the case and interviewing family members. Authorities are expected to determine whether additional charges will be filed against the suspect.
The case has drawn significant attention because of the serious allegations of long term confinement, abuse, and the impact on the children’s lives and education.
