Exelmans reportedly left Morocco shortly after the opening of a formal inquiry, sparking outrage among child rights advocates.
The NGO expressed deep concern after a journalistic investigation showed alleged sexual abuse of minors housed in the Casablanca center, describing the alleged crimes as “a flagrant violation of children’s rights and a moral betrayal of young people seeking safety and dignity in Morocco.”
The organization also criticized the religious institution involved, accusing it of adopting an “equivocal” stance by placing victims and the suspect on the same level, instead of taking full ethical and legal responsibility.
The NGO has called for an exhaustive and independent judicial investigation to identify all perpetrators, accomplices, or individuals who failed to report the abuse. It also urges authorities to coordinate with international counterparts to locate and prosecute Exelmans.
Immediate psychological and social support for the victims and stricter oversight of religious and charitable centers hosting children were also requested.
The NGO stated it will monitor the case closely until justice is served and victims are rehabilitated.
News outlet “H24Info” reported that Exelmans is currently under house arrest in France, pending developments in Morocco’s investigation.
Archbishop of Rabat Cristóbal López Romero initiated canonical disciplinary procedures in 2024 after receiving a formal complaint against Exelmans.
The archbishop reportedly informed Moroccan authorities of the allegations and pledged full cooperation with the investigation.