Rome, January 11 – Michele Dall’Arno, a 42-year-old Italian professor originally from Forlì, has launched a protest in Rome, demanding information about his two young children who were taken by his Japanese wife more than two months ago. Dall’Arno, a theoretical physics professor at a Japanese university, claims his wife left their home with their two sons, aged three and five, on October 31, and he has had no contact with them since.
Professor Dall’Arno’s Desperate Plea in Rome
The professor’s outcry reached Italy from Japan through media reports. “I haven’t seen my children for over two months after my wife, in fact, took them away. I have no news of them, I don’t know if they are well or not, I know nothing. All I can do is protest,” said Dall’Arno, who was in Rome to demonstrate in front of the Japanese Embassy.
Dall’Arno stated, “I protested in front of the Japanese embassy after nothing changed in two months. I was in Rome, drawing attention with signs and banners, and I calmly spoke with Italian embassy staff and police officers. They were all very cordial. I will return to protest next Monday, January 12, in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request a meeting with Minister Tajani.”
The Separation and Disappearance
Dall’Arno recounted the events leading to the separation and his children’s disappearance. In November, he explained, “I had told my wife that due to some obvious financial difficulties, we would have to change our lifestyle. From there, a chain reaction began: first, our dialogue ceased. Then she asked for a separation, and finally, she left with our children. We met in 2012 and married in 2016.”
His wife’s decision was sudden. “On October 30, I put my children to bed, as usual. The next day, when I returned from work, no one was there. They weren’t there, my wife wasn’t there, their clothes were gone. She packed her bags and left with them; her car wasn’t even there. I am concerned because one of my children has a small health problem that needs to be monitored.”
Ignored by Japanese Officials, Support from Italian Authorities
During his protest in Rome, in front of the embassy building on Via Quintino Sella, Dall’Arno encountered Japanese officials. “They ignored me, and I expected it, knowing their culture. But I will not stop.”
Since last autumn, nothing has changed regarding his children’s whereabouts. “The Italian consul in Japan has been activated, asking to see my children. It is a matter of international law,” Dall’Arno continued. “And above all, it is a priority issue to ascertain their conditions. But my wife has refused.”
Last week, Dall’Arno also met with the Mayor of Forlì, Gianluca Zattini, and Deputy Mayor Bongiorno, as well as Forza Italia MP Rosaria Tassinari, who have offered their support.
Call for Ministerial Intervention
Professor Dall’Arno’s persistent efforts highlight the complexities of international family disputes and the challenges faced by parents when one spouse unilaterally relocates with children. His plea to Minister Tajani underscores the need for diplomatic intervention to ensure the well-being of his children and to facilitate communication.
The professor’s case has garnered significant attention, drawing parallels to other instances where Italian citizens have sought assistance from their government in similar situations abroad. The upcoming protest at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a critical step in his ongoing campaign to reunite with his children and ensure their safety.
The situation remains unresolved, with Dall’Arno vowing to continue his protests until he receives concrete answers and reassurance regarding his children’s welfare.
Source: https://corrieredibologna.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_gennaio_10/forli-la-protesta-del-professor-michele-dall-arno-davanti-all-ambasciata-del-giappone-a-roma-non-ho-piu-notizie-dei-miei-figli-077fe55c-3d10-4574-aa57-3f95ac290xlk.shtml
