AUSTRALIA
The Guardian
Australian Associated Press
Wednesday 27 July 2016
Australia’s most senior Catholic cleric, Cardinal George Pell, has for a second time called for an investigation into Victoria police to determine whether there has been a “conspiracy to pervert the course of justice”.
But the force’s top police officer denies any leaks by his officers, saying it’s “clear” the sources of sexual abuse complaints against Pell are the complainants.
The cardinal’s concerns stem from a report aired by ABC television’s 7.30 program on Wednesday canvassing allegations made by two men who have accused him of inappropriate behaviour involving children going as far back as the 1970s.
He strongly denies the allegations, saying he is the victim of a “scandalous smear campaign” and trial by media.
“It seems there has been leaking of information and allegations by elements of the Victorian police to the ABC,” a statement released on his behalf said. “The cardinal calls for an investigation to assess whether any actions of elements of the Victoria police and the ABC program amount to a conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.”
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