France ends probe into ex-archbishops sexual assault

France ends probe into ex-archbishops sexual assault

Published September 15,2023


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French prosecutors stated Thursday that they had closed an investigation into allegations the previous archbishop of Paris had dedicated “sexual assault on a vulnerable person” as no offence had taken place.

The probe into Michel Aupetit ended on August 23, the prosecutor’s workplace instructed AFP.

The clergyman instructed investigators in June that “he had never had a sentimental or sexual relationship with the woman concerned”, stated the prosecutor’s workplace.

The lady herself stated she had instructed investigators that no offence had taken place, nor had she filed a grievance, the assertion added.

The investigation had due to this fact been closed.

Aupetit’s lawyer, Jean Reinhart, stated his shopper had taken the opening of the investigation “with serenity because he was certain that it could only end with no action being taken”.

He would now have the ability to perform his pastoral duties with out issue, Reinhart instructed AFP.

The probe was opened based mostly on a report filed by the diocese of Paris.

Aupetit supplied to resign in late 2021 following media stories of the allegations, which he had categorically denied. Pope Francis accepted the resignation.

Aupetit was archbishop in the course of the April 2019 fireplace that ravaged the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris.

He frequently appeared on tv to speak in regards to the catastrophe and helped to rally funds for the restoration work.

Now 72 years outdated, he entered the priesthood comparatively late in life on the age of 44, having beforehand labored in medication.

Source: www.anews.com.tr