Priest to Be Charged with Abusing Minors after Reports to Curia, Arraignment Shortly

Malta Independent
June 27, 2015

http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2015-06-27/local-news/Priest-to-be-charged-with-child-abuse-after-reports-made-to-Curia-arraignment-in-the-coming-days-6736137990

A priest is due to appear in court in the coming days to face charges of child abuse, TVM has reported.

The charges were presented in court on Friday and the priest, who has not been named, will not be arraigned under arrest TVM said.

The police launched an investigation after reports were made to the Archbishop’s Curia and enough evidence has been gathered to arraign the man.

A source told The Malta Independent yesterday that this was the first time a case was reported to the police by the Curia's Safeguarding Commission, which was set up in January of this year.

In a statement issued yesterday, morning the Curia said it would not be giving any details about the case. “With reference to the alleged case of abuse reported in the media, the Commission for the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults would like to clarify that, while it will not divulge information about specific cases, according to its policy, the necessary action is taken in all cases where a risk of harm to children or vulnerable adults is present, based on the information passed on to the Commission and on the outcome of its initial assessment.”

The general public is encouraged to contact the Safeguarding Commission on safeguarding@maltadiocese.org in case of any concerns involving children or vulnerable adults.