RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 19, (AFP) -Brazilian doctors Friday will attempt to remove sewing needles near the heart and lungs of a two-year-old boy who was victim of a ritualistic attack at the hands of his former stepfather.
After ultrasounds on the boy, including his throat, stomach and spine, doctors in northeastern Brazil decided immediate surgery was needed to remove the most life-threatening objects -- those closest to his heart and lungs.
“Many organs have been affected, and there could be further risk of infection. The procedures themselves could pose a risk of death,” warned Francisco Reis, director of the Ana Neri hospital in Salvador.
The hospital said they had identified about 30 needles lodged inside the child, not 50 as initially reported.
The boy's former stepfather confessed to police Thursday to inserting the needles as part of “black magic” rituals aimed at exacting revenge on his ex-wife.
Police said Roberto Carlos Magalhaes, 30, had confessed to sticking two or three needles into the boy every day and said he was helped by two women who have denied the accusation but are under temporary arrest. |
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