Sunday, February 13, 2011

Swiss diocese suspends priests in sex abuse probe

A Roman Catholic diocese in western Switzerland has suspended two priests after allegations they sexually abused minors. 

The diocese of Lausanne, Geneva and Fribourg says information on one priest in the canton of Geneva has been submitted to local prosecutors. 

It says the second case in neighboring canton Vaud concerns allegations that have passed the statute of limitations.

Vicar-General Nicolas Beticher declined Thursday to provide further details about the cases such as the number of minors abused, the year of the alleged crimes or the ages of the priests.
 
Several Catholic priests in Switzerland have in recent years been accused of sexually abusing minors. 

The church has set up a special commission to investigate the allegations.