ANKARA (TURKEY)
Anadolu Agency
January 21, 2020
By Cindi Cook
Lyon was setting for trial of Bernard Preynat in alleged abuse of at least 80 young boys in 1980s and 1990s
Paris – The four-day trial of a former priest who, accused of sexually abusing at least 80 Boy Scouts in the 1980s and 1990s, was concluded on Friday in Lyon, France.
Bernard Preynat, 74, is charged with committing lecherous acts against the young boys between 1971 and 1991, when he served as scout chaplain in the Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon region of eastern France.
The prosecutor of the Republic, Dominique Sauves, requested a prison sentence “which is not less than eight years” against the ex-priest.
Preynat faces a possible decade in prison and a 150,000-euro (nearly $167,000) fine.
He is accused of abusing dozens of young boys during his time in charge, although only 10 of the abused testified against him in the trial last week. Those who came forward have also charged the church leadership with covering up the acts, therefore allowing Preynat to remain in contact with youths.
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