Priest of Gospić-Senj Diocese accused of six sexual harassment offences
The Municipal State Attorney's Office in Karlovac has filed an indictment against a 35-year-old priest for harassment of a fellow priest between 2017 and 2022.
Indictment against priest from Gospić: six offences over five years
The Municipal State Attorney's Office in Karlovac has filed an indictment before the Municipal Court in Gospić against a 35-year-old priest of the Gospić-Senj Diocese, according to Index.hr citing Novi List. He is charged with six offences of sexual harassment of another priest, committed between 2017 and 2022.
According to the indictment, the accused exploited the relationship of trust and authority and through inappropriate physical contact violated the victim's dignity and placed them in a humiliating position. The prosecution has also requested a ban on the performance of priestly duties or activities.
The case became public in April, and an investigation was launched following a report filed by the Diocese itself. The Gospić-Senj Diocese confirmed at the time that it had taken measures in accordance with Church regulations and emphasised zero tolerance towards abuse.
Details of the proceedings have not been disclosed to protect the victim. According to available information, this is the first case of its kind in the 16-year history of the Diocese. The accused priest has been temporarily removed from ecclesiastical duties and is presumed innocent until the sentence becomes final.
Source: Index.hr