George Pell allegations: Catholic Archbishop of Sydney slams 'trial by media'

By Bill Code
ABC News
July 27, 2016

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-07-28/george-pell-catholic-abuse-allegations-sydney-trial-by-media/7667302

Archbishop Anthony Fisher has come to the defence of the embattled George Pell.

The Catholic Archbishop of Sydney has slammed what he calls the trial by media of Cardinal George Pell, following revelations on the ABC's 7:30 program that Australia's most senior Catholic is being investigated over claims of sexual misconduct.

"The allegations against Cardinal George Pell aired on the ABC's 7.30 [program] were extremely distressing for all parties, are as yet untested, and have been emphatically denied," Archbishop Anthony Fisher said in a statement.

"The community deserves the rule of law be respected. Trial by media benefits no-one."

The program revealed Victorian Police were examining complaints made against Cardinal Pell relating to alleged events in the 1970s and '80s.

Specifically, claims Cardinal Pell touched two boys inappropriately in the late 1970s, and another accusation he stood naked in front of three young boys for a period of about 10 minutes in a surf club changeroom, causing an adult witness concern.

Cardinal Pell has emphatically denied the allegations in a series of statements.

"The ABC has no licence to destroy the reputation of innocent people and Cardinal Pell, like all those who have allegations against them that have not been tested by the courts, is entitled to the presumption of innocence," his office reiterated on Thursday.

7.30 has obtained eight police statements from complainants, witnesses and family members.

It is understood the case has been referred by Victoria Police - after examination by the SANO sexual abuse taskforce - to the Office of Public Prosecutions for advice.

Archbishop Fisher said the allegations "do not correspond with the George Pell I know".

"He has a record of leadership in the fight against child sexual abuse, and was the first Bishop in the world to implement a process under which such claims would be investigated by an independent commissioner.

"No-one is served when such due process is replaced with trial by media.

"It denies accusers the right to have their claims investigated in a transparent way by those whose role it is to examine such matters under the law."

Cardinal Fisher said Cardinal Pell had cooperated with official inquiries into such matters whenever asked to do so.

"Cardinal Pell deserves the presumption of innocence. Those who believe they have been abused deserve to be heard with respect and compassion," he said.

Meanwhile, vice-chancellor of the Australian Catholic University Greg Craven has accused Victoria Police and the ABC of abusing their powers over the allegations involving Cardinal Pell.

"It's a big story about the chronic abuse of state power from the Victoria Police and the willing abetting of the abuse of that power, very sadly by our national broadcaster the ABC," Mr Craven said.