Santiago Times
October 22, 2011
http://www.santiagotimes.cl/chile/human-rights-a-law/22736-chilean-priest-avoids-prosecution-in-child-sexual-abuse-case
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| Photo by gwilmore/Flickr. |
Karadima was a high profile priest during the Pinochet dictatorship (1973-1990), leading El Bosque parish, home to many of Chile’s most influential politicians and business people.
The Catholic Church first opened a sexual abuse investigation into Kardima in 2004 regarding the same accusations. Karadima was found guilty by the Vatican of sexually abusing minors in January 2011 and was sentenced to a life of prayer and penance. He was also relieved of all priestly duties.
Jose Andres Murillo, Juan Carlos Cruz and James Hamilton, the accusers, claimed Karadima sexually abused them in the early 1980s. Claims have been brought against Karadima as early as 1984.
This case has seen high profile testimony from such people as Ricardo Ezzati, the current Archbishop of Santiago.
Judge Gonzalez chose not to move the case forward because there is a concern about the statute of limitations for such crimes. Chile has a 10-year statute of limitations for sexual abuse of children, beginning once the victim turns 18.
The alleged victims attempted to bring charges against Karadima within that period, but were dismissed by the church.
The accusers do not see this as the end of the case. Judge Gonzalez is expected to rule on the legality of the charges within the next two weeks.
“This is a scenario we expected and we have to wait for her to rule on whether the facts have weight, regardless of whether they are within the statute or not,” said Juan Pablo Hermosilla, the attorney for the plantiffs, to El Mercurio.
He went on to say that although he sees the case as being closed for now, Judge Gonzalez didn’t make a judgment on the validity of the claims. “She said ‘not now,’ but hasn’t ruled on whether the complaints are true or not and that's what we are hoping for.” He remained positive, telling El Mercurio, “We are pleased the facts are being investigated; they [the accusers] know his actions won?t be repeated.”
This case was previously closed when the prior judge, Xavier Armendariz, ruled in December 2010 that there was not enough evidence to move the case forward.
Cristian Muga, the defense attorney for Karadima, was pleased with the judge’s decision Thursday and told La Tercera, “As the defense, we are calm.”
Karadima has maintained his innocence against all accusations.
By Stephen Shea editor@santiagotimes.cl
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