MALTA
Times of Malta
January 29, 2021
By Matthew Xuereb
They were suspended following an investigation by the Safeguarding Commission
The two Xagħra priests separately charged with sexually abusing an eight-year-old altar boy about 16 years ago were suspended from priestly duties last year, Times of Malta has learned.
The suspension followed the completion of an investigation by the Church’s Safeguarding Commission.
The abusive acts are alleged to have taken place at the Xagħra parish between 2003 and 2005.
Joseph Cini, 70, and Joseph Sultana, 84, are in preventive custody after being charged with defiling the boy on a number of occasions and holding him against his will. Cini was also charged with raping him. Both men deny the charges.
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