A Call for Justice: Gabriel Rivas Pleads for His Younger Brother's Safety
Gabriel Rivas, the eldest son of Juana Rivas, has made a desperate plea to Italian authorities regarding the welfare of his younger brother, Daniel. This plea comes in the wake of Juana Rivas's ordeal after she went missing for a month, allegedly fleeing from abuse by her former partner, Francesco Arcuri.
In a poignant video addressed to the Cagliari Prosecutor's Office, Gabriel, who is now an adult living with his mother, expressed his deep concern for Daniel's safety. He described their father as an individual unable to control his rage, characterizing him as an abuse perpetrator who has inflicted psychological and physical harm on both Gabriel and Daniel.
"I am Gabriel, the brother of Daniel, and today I am here to express what I have been unable to articulate for so many years," Gabriel stated. He emphasized that his brother lives in constant fear of their father's violent tendencies, a fear that Gabriel himself experienced until he left for Spain at 16.
Gabriel's heart-wrenching account detailed their traumatic separation from their mother in 2017 when he was just 11 years old and Daniel was only three. He recalls being torn from Juana Rivas's nurturing environment and thrust into a life filled with abuse under their father's roof. Each day Daniel currently faces echoes Gabriel's own painful memories, heightening Gabriel's distress over his younger brother's plight, which he describes as 'a living hell.'
Gabriel shared in his video that his father's explosive anger not only traumatized him but has similarly trapped Daniel in a cycle of fear and psychological torment. He stated, "My brother is in great danger. He is afraid to express these things because he knows that his father can find out and threaten him; he feels at risk of death."
In seeking justice, Gabriel sent a formal letter to the Italian Attorney General's Office, seeking intervention. He expressed feeling a profound sense of helplessness, stating that the legal systems in place have failed to offer protection to his brother.
Highlighting the emotional scars from his own childhood, Gabriel reflected on the damaging legacy of their father's anger, which he illustrated through his own struggles with addiction and mental health after living with him. Furthermore, he lamented the pain of being separated from Daniel for an extended period, hindered by legal barriers preventing familial contact.
The situation has drawn attention to Juana Rivas's legal battles, as her attorney emphasizes the urgency for protective measures regarding Daniel, amidst allegations of abuse against Arcuri. Following a recent ruling by the Italian Supreme Court, there have been calls for the immediate execution of protective measures for Daniel, who continues living with his father despite a pending criminal case against Arcuri for misconduct.
Juana Rivas, who received a partial pardon for her actions in the past, remains a crucial figure in this ongoing saga, advocating for her children's safety and well-being. Her legal team is actively pressing for interventions that would ensure Daniel's immediate protection from the alleged abuse he faces in his father's care.
As the case continues to unfold, Gabriel's courageous plea sheds light on the complexities of familial abuse and the challenges faced by children caught in violent environments. The hope remains that Italian authorities will take the necessary steps to protect Daniel and improve his living conditions, ensuring he can grow up free from fear and violence.
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