Lawyers submitting opposition to releasing grand jury report on sex abuse claims in Catholic church

WGAL News 8
July 16, 2018

http://www.wgal.com/article/lawyers-submitting-opposition-to-releasing-grand-jury-report-on-sex-abuse-claims-in-catholic-church/22173491

New details have been made public in the grand jury investigation into sex abuse claims in the Catholic church.

Lawyers arguing on behalf of current and former clergy are submitting their opposition to releasing the report on six dioceses, including Harrisburg.

Last month, the state Supreme Court blocked the release of the findings after those named in it were allowed to review portions of it.

One of the court filings involves allegations against someone in the Pittsburgh Diocese who lawyers say didn't have a chance to defend himself and wasn't given any other required aspect of due process.

The court documents indicate that in the Pittsburgh Diocese alone, the grand jury report lists more than 90 individuals described as "offenders."

Those arguing against the report's release say a judge should examine the allegations against each person, make sure the claims are supported by evidence and allow them to challenge the claims.

Attorney General Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association and at least one victim have called for the immediate public release of the report.