The brother of Quebec's Marc Cardinal Ouellet has been accused of sexually assaulting a young girl in the 1980s. The cardinal made headlines last fall when he delivered an unexpected apology, published in Quebec newspapers, that asked forgiveness for past sexual abuse and discrimination committed by Catholic clergy.
His brother, Paul Ouellet, 63, was charged Wednesday in Amos, in northwestern Quebec, with three counts of sexual assault on a minor between 1982 and 1991.
The victim was between eight and 18 years of age when the alleged offences took place.
Mr. Ouellet's lawyer said Friday that his client was released on bail pending his next court appearance, slated for June 30.
"It looks like another sad story," Jean McGuire said. "But my client is ready to face the system and make his case."
The accused is a retired teacher who lives in the Abitibi region, some 800 kilometres northwest of Quebec City, where he and his brother were born.
According to newspapers reports, the victim is now 35 years old and decided to lodge a complaint in 2004. It took police four years to complete their investigation.
Cardinal Ouellet, who is considered among the highest-ranking Roman Catholic officials in the country and is known for his conservative views, declined to comment on the case.
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