A religious suspected of sexual abuse was arrested by police on Saturday evening after being reported to the authorities by the diocese of the Ticino city.
The bishop said he had personal knowledge of this possible case of abuse on March 11. He immediately informed the competent commission of experts in the diocese.
KEYSTONE
A priest of the diocese of Lugano suspected of sexual abuse was arrested on Saturday evening, said the bishop of Lugano Valerio Lazzeri at a press conference in Lugano on Sunday. The religious was immediately released from his obligations within the diocese.
Criminal investigation
The bishop said he had personal knowledge of this possible case of abuse on March 11. He immediately informed the competent committee of experts in the diocese.
After initial clarifications, the latter forwarded the case to the Ticino public prosecutor’s office, which clearly requested the arrest of the suspect on Saturday evening.
No details were given on the priest concerned and his parish. The alleged abuse occurred five or six years ago, added Valerio Lazzeri. The latter and the diocese are now awaiting the results of the criminal investigation before deciding on the follow-up to this case.
A 50 year old man
The Ticino public prosecutor’s office confirms the opening of criminal proceedings against a 50-year-old priest, he said in a statement on Sunday. The main accusation against the man is that of sexual acts with people incapable of discernment or unable to resist.
The man’s arrest was ordered after he was interrogated. Other investigations are under way.
((ATS / NXP)
Posted today at 4:47 pm-
