Church criticized over its handling of abuse allegation

Times of Malta
November 2, 2014

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20141102/local/church-criticized-over-its-handling-of-abuse-allegations.542290

The Church’s handling of the alleged abuses by Dominican priest Fr Charles Fenech was criticised today by former Curia official Fr Joe Borg.

Writing in The Sunday Times if Malta, he said  public outcry following the reporting of yet another story of this kind was understandable.

“What is not understandable is how the Dominican Order – while fully respecting his presumption of innocence – deemed fit to relieve him of his duties only because now the allegations have become public.

“One of the two Response Teams of the Church has been investigating such allegations for the past eight years.

“This is totally unacceptable, nay it is simply scandalous. Such protraction by the Response Team is unfair to the accused, to the alleged victim and to the Church. The Response Team responsible for such delays is perpetrating great injustice to all concerned.”

The incidents are alleged to have taken place at various locations over a period of years. The priest is also being accused of holding the woman against her will and committing indecent acts in public.

The police are also investigating claims of sexual abuse against the priest made by other women. His defence lawyers have insisted the priest is denying all the allegations.