A German man has been taken into custody in France after his wife was allegedly held captive for a period of 12 years in their residence. The woman, also of German nationality, was discovered in a bedroom within the apartment, partially clothed and with a shaved head, according to an AFP report citing French police sources.

The bedroom in which the woman was found had been sealed off with wire mesh within their home located in Forbach, near the border with Germany. The 55-year-old man is under suspicion for charges related to abduction and other offenses.

Authorities revealed that the 53-year-old woman had managed to access a phone and contacted German police, who then alerted their French counterparts.

Local prosecutor Olivier Glady described the woman’s health as “not good” after an initial examination. He also noted the presence of around nine cats in the apartment, dismissing claims from French media that the apartment contained bars used for confining the wife, clarifying that these were intended to prevent the cats from escaping.

Contrary to earlier reports, Glady stated that no signs of violence or blood were found at the scene. The unemployed suspect had previously worked in the German industry. He is currently held in Metz, an eastern French city, according to BFMTV.

Neighbors interviewed by Germany’s Bild newspaper indicated that the man had informed them of his wife’s cancer diagnosis, explaining her screams of pain as a result of the illness. A neighbor named Alicia characterized the man as “polite and nice,” while another witness, Erika, had not seen the woman in approximately a decade.

Reports from French media mentioned the discovery of a diary-like notebook within the apartment, suggesting the man had documented his actions, including instances when he provided food to his wife.

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