AUSTRALIA
Starts at 60
Victoria Police has been warned against charging Cardinal George Pell over allegations of child sexual abuse in the face of intense public pressure on the issue.
President of the Rule of Law Institute of Australia, Robyn Speed, told The Australian that bringing charges against Pell before obtaining solid evidence would only lead to a show trial that would appease “the mob” but do nothing to help alleged victims.
Intense public interest in the case has lead to fears a jury could be prejudiced against Pell if the case ever goes to trial.
As Australia’s most senior Catholic figure, Pell drew intense public scrutiny over his handling of the Royal Commission into child sexual abuse last year.
He refused to return to Australia from Rome to give evidence at the hearing, claiming he was too sick to fly.
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