AUSTRALIA
ABC News
[with audio]
The South Australian DPP says no charges will be laid against a Catholic priest named by Senator Nick Xenophon under parliamentary privilege as an alleged rapist, but the Senator says faced with the same circumstances again, he would take the same action.
Transcript
ELEANOR HALL: To South Australia where a Catholic priest has accused the independent Senator Nick Xenophon of humiliating him and destroying his reputation by accusing him of sexual abuse.
It’s almost two years since the Senator controversially used parliamentary privilege to name the priest, who had been accused of sexual offences.
It is now clear that the priest will not face any charges in connection with the allegations but Mr Xenophon says the Catholic Church forced his hand with its inaction.
In Adelaide, Rebecca Brice reports.
REBECCA BRICE: Monsignor Ian Dempsey says it’s been a difficult time.
IAN DEMPSEY: I remember Senator Xenophon said he had a few sleepless nights before he made his momentous statement, and he’s caused me about 18 months of sleepless nights I can think since he’s made it.
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