Germany: Catholic priest on trial for sexually abusing his three nieces
A Catholic priest went on trial in the German city of Cologne on Tuesday for allegedly sexually abusing children.
The 70-year-old stands accused of abusing his three nieces in the 1990s in the western town of Gummersbach.
They were aged between seven and thirteen at the time. He is charged on 31 counts, three of which the public prosecutor describes as particularly serious.
The clergyman also allegedly abused an 11-year-old girl in Wuppertal in 2011 when she visited him with a friend.
The public prosecutor’s office brought charges in this case just more than two weeks ago.
The court has now combined the two proceedings, and at the request of the defence, the trial will be behind closed doors following the arraignment.
The accused lawyer said that the accusations against his client are related to his private life and not his duties as a priest.
The court is expected to call on Hamburg Archbishop Stefan Hesse as a witness during the trial.
The accused once served as the head of personnel in the archdiocese of Cologne.
According to a court spokesperson, he has been summoned for Jan. 18, 2022.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Orphanage owners advocate clinics for unwanted pregnancies
“Instead of a section of society stigmatising these young girls, we need to educate and assist them.’’
World
North Macedonia nationalist wins first round of presidential poll
The president in North Macedonia primarily has protocol powers.
Health
Nigeria, 15 other countries get $36.5 million to eliminate trachoma
Ms Shu’aibu said the funding was under the organisation’s “Accelerate Programme” to end the disease by 2027.
Agriculture
AfDB, BUK partner on climate adaption, entrepreneurship to boost food security
Ms Dunford stated that agriculture needed to be transformed to provide food security.
Health
Chinese expert recommends Tai Chi treatment for health challenges
“Tai Chi is crucial for older people as it offers numerous benefits.’’
NationWide
Over half of world risk mosquito-borne diseases, say scientists
The UK health security agency said there were 2,004 cases of malaria confirmed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in 2023.
