Shocking revelations in the Block trial: child abduction from Denmark!

Shocking revelations in the Block trial: child abduction from Denmark!

Yesterday in the Hamburg district court marked the tenth day of proceedings in the trial surrounding the child abduction of the Block children from Denmark. The focus in particular was on Christina Block's ex-husband, Stephan Hensel, who described his confused and dramatic view of the kidnapping. On New Year's Eve 2023/24, Hensel learned of a violent attack that brought his children into the hands of an Israeli security company that was allegedly acting on behalf of Christina Block. His impressive account of the punches and kicks during this attack not only froze the air in the courtroom, but also drew the audience deeply into the tragedy of this family drama.

The children, his 10-year-old son and his 13-year-old daughter, were returned to their father after a few days based on a court order. However, the roots of the conflict go back much further: a years-long custody dispute between Christina Block and Stephan Hensel is the breeding ground for this horrific kidnapping. While Christina Block had the right of residence for the children, Hensel broke his duties and did not bring the children back in 2021 after a weekend visit.

The course of the process

The trial, which has been underway since July 11, 2025, is characterized by intense confrontations between the lawyers of the two main actors. On August 26, 2025, there was a heated argument between Hensel's lawyer and Block's lawyer. A 36-year-old Israeli believed to have been involved in the kidnapping appeared in court. He was arrested in Cyprus in September 2024 and has been in custody in Hamburg since then.

This defendant reported that he only wanted to help “rescue” the children and that he had been promised money. The Israeli company reacted vehemently to the accusation that he was hired not only to check the cybersecurity of a hotel but also to kidnap the children. The head of this security company described Hensel as a dangerous father, which further inflamed tensions. This is in stark contrast to Hensel's portrayal of him as a caring and concerned father.

The role of those involved

In addition to Christina Block and Stephan Hensel, Gerhard Delling, Block's partner, is also charged with aiding and abetting. Delling is suspected of having organized meetings between Christina and her children without Hensel knowing about it. In an extremely tense climate, the presiding judge asked Hensel's lawyer to allow over 100 questions about Block's statements, even though she insisted on her right to refuse to testify.

The prosecution alleges that Block ordered the kidnapping. However, she vehemently denies having any involvement in the kidnapping. Nevertheless, she admits that there were considerations about return operations. This shows how thin the ice is that everyone involved is walking on.

Legal basis and effects

In such cases, custody and in particular the right to determine where to stay is a critical issue. The right to determine where to stay is part of custody rights and normally falls to both parents after a separation, provided there are no serious conflicts or incapacity of one parent. Important decisions about the children must be made together, which clearly did not happen in this case. Here Those interested can find out more about the legal aspects of child abduction and the challenges associated with it.

The kidnapping, which is considered a criminal offense, not only causes a clash between two parental perspectives, but also a passionate debate about the well-being of the children. It is clear that in such emotionally charged cases, processes usually have to be addressed very quickly and decisively in order to protect the well-being of the children. The next day of negotiations, on which further details will be brought to the table, is eagerly awaited.