Brazilian court orders son be returned to U.S. dad

We've been following this story on the Today show for a few months now. Here's to a quick and safe reunion to both father and son. CNN reports:
A Brazilian court ordered that 9-year-old Sean Goldman be returned to the custody of his father, David, in the United States today. But bhs Brazilian relatives were expected to try to block the order, a Brazilian official said.

Outside his home in New Jersey, David Goldman told reporters he was heartened by the news, but would not consider his efforts successful until he and the boy are reunited.

"I'm hopeful," he said. "I can't be optimistic because I've gone down there so many times, always under the guise that the rule of law will be followed and Sean will come home to me and his family, and that doesn't happen."

The 3-0 ruling by the Federal Regional Tribunal in Rio de Janeiro upheld a June decision by the 16th Federal Court in Rio, which ordered Sean returned to his home in New Jersey in accordance with the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of Child Abductions.

But a Brazilian official with knowledge of the case predicted today's order would be appealed. So far, the boy's Brazilian family has filed 40 appeals, most of them procedural but one substantive.

The Brazilian high court is to take up any appeal on Thursday, said Rep. Chris Smith, R-New Jersey, who has been pressing the case for his constituent. "Frankly, every possible nuance has been appealed by the other side," he told CNN's "Situation Room." "Remember, this is an abducting family, they're kidnappers, but they have had a great deal of sway with the court."

The Supreme Court could still allow Sean Goldman to be returned to his father in the United States while it decides any appeal.

Comments

Jessica said…
Does Elian Gonzalez ring a bell? Both different stories but similar as well, and although I thought Elian should have stayed in the states not with his father due to communist cuban beliefs, but this boy does need to return to his father.
December 17, 2009 at 1:27 PM
Anonymous said…
To learn how you can help Sean Goldman finally return home, visit http://www.bringseanhome.org/help.html and contact Brazilian and US representatives today to ask for their urgent assistance. Please help Sean!!
December 18, 2009 at 10:55 AM
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