Australian Catherine Birmingham and her British husband Nathan Trevallion had been raising the kids in a house without electricity or running water in woods near the town of Palmoli.
They are appealing against the decision, which has sparked criticism from the government, with Justice Minister Carlo Nordio calling it serious and Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini comparing it to a kidnapping.
The lawyer, Giovanni Angelucci, said he had quit because “in the last few days my clients have received too much pressing external interference that has undermined the trust at the basis of the professional relationship that binds lawyer and client”.
He said the couple had refused possible solutions that would enable them to have their children back, such as a move to another house offered to them rent free or the renovation of their current home.
ANSA
