Belgian court drops prosecution in long-running Catholic Church abuse case

A Brussels court has ruled that prosecution in the long-running investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic Church is no longer possible. Victims’ groups have strongly condemned the decision and are considering an appeal.

A Brussels court ruled on Monday that the prosecution in the major investigation into sexual abuse and cover-ups within the Catholic Church is no longer valid. The court, citing procedural issues, followed the position of the federal prosecutor. The ruling can still be appealed by civil parties.

Legal battles

The investigation began in June 2010 with high-profile raids at the Mechelen-Brussels Archdiocese, St. Rumbold’s Cathedral, the private residence of cardinal Godfried Danneels, and the offices of a commission handling abuse cases. The operation aimed to uncover evidence of abuse and cover-ups within the Church.

However, legal battles over the validity of these searches led to key evidence being excluded. By 2016, the federal prosecutor had already deemed prosecution unlikely. Attempts to gather further evidence did not change this position. 

”For decades, victims fought for justice, only to be denied again”

Divided reactions

Victims’ advocates reacted with anger to the ruling. “For decades, victims fought for justice, only to be denied again”, said retired priest Rik Devillé. Lawyer Christine Mussche also criticised the ruling, arguing it ignored serious flaws identified by a parliamentary inquiry. 

The lawyer for the Mechelen-Brussels Archdiocese called the decision “legally sound and balanced” and reiterated that the Church has always cooperated. “Some of the accused have passed away, and for others, the statute of limitations applies. This outcome was not unexpected.”.

The bishops further expressed their sympathy for victims but denied accusations of a cover-up. “The Church did not suppress evidence. Claims that documents were destroyed are baseless”, they said.

”The Church did not suppress evidence. Claims that documents were destroyed are baseless”

Appeal

The civil parties are now considering an appeal, and a case against the Belgian state is still ongoing. Victims’ groups are also looking into a government-backed compensation fund to support those affected.

^{The police raids the Mechelen-Brussels Archdiocese, in June 2010, during an operation aimed to uncover evidence of abuse and cover-ups within the Church © BELGA PHOTO MARC GYSENS}