SHARJAH (UNITED ARAB EMIRATES)
Gulf Today
Oct. 23, 2019
A nun, who had filed a rape case against Catholic Bishop Franco Mulakkal, who is out on bail, approached the national and state Women’s Commissions and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging that the priest and his supporters harassed her through various online platforms.
“Attempts to intimidate and defame me and my colleagues through the social media were made by the bishop and his followers. False statements, imputations and fabricated stories tarnishing our reputation and character are being systematically spread through the YouTube channel, Christian Times, run by Bishop Franco and his aides,” the complaint said.
The actual intention of these videos was to insult and harass her, her fellow nuns who are witnesses in the case. The idea was also to exert immense pressure on the investigation officials. Though the Kuravilangad police booked a case against the You Tube channel in May this year, the channel continues to upload more videos, she added. Ever since the FIR was registered, she and her fellow nuns were subjected to character assassination, the nun said in the complaint. The nun stated that such actions are a violation of the bail conditions laid down by the Kerala High Court.
The complaint was filed on Oct.19 according to a spokesman of the Save Our Sisters (SOS), an outfit formed in solidarity with the nun against the bishop. “There is a concerted effort to defame her. All kinds of stories are doing the rounds. They started character assassination after all efforts to cow her down failed,” said the spokesman.
Meanwhile, the trial against the tainted bishop will begin at the Additional District Sessions Court 1 in Kottayam on Nov.11. The Additional District Sessions Judge Gopakumar has already issued a summons seeking the bishop to appear for a preliminary hearing on the charge sheet.
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