Marc Ballabriga, 55, a former police officer, allegedly abandoned his two young sons, Barthelemy, five, and Zacharie, three, blindfolded in a remote forest near Alcacer do Sal, southern Portugal. The incident occurred on 19 May, four days after Ballabriga recorded disturbing apocalyptic videos warning of an imminent Armageddon.
Ballabriga and his partner, Marine Rousseau, 41, were arrested on 21 May near Lisbon, where police found the boys crying and alone on a rural road.
In videos recorded on 15 May and obtained by TVI, Ballabriga declared that the world would end on 22 May, urging people to hide in nature. He described bizarre theories, including a horse he claimed was “hybridised with reptile DNA,” and exhibited disturbing behaviours such as attempting to control the sun. Ballabriga urged viewers to prepare for 28 days of catastrophe, insisting he was not afraid.
Authorities allege that Ballabriga and Rousseau took the boys into the woods, blindfolded them, and told the children they were playing a game called “drive away the devil,” which required them to find a buried knife to remove their blindfolds. The boys were later found by locals with a backpack containing essentials but were visibly distressed.
Following their arrest, reports indicated the couple discussed feigning mental illness during police transport. Court officials are aware of the alleged plan. In court, Rousseau was reportedly singing operatically while Ballabriga shouted “I love you” in French. Both were denied bail and remain in custody pending trial.
Ballabriga and Rousseau face charges including domestic violence, exposure, and child abandonment. A judge will review their detention status at an upcoming hearing.
Originally published by UKNIP.
