Morocco: Archbishop of Rabat accused of sexual violence by five women
Five women have filed complaints in Morocco against Cristobal Lopez Romero, archbishop of Rabat, for alleged sexual violence.
Morocco: Archbishop of Rabat accused of sexual violence by five women
Five women have filed complaints in Morocco against Cristobal Lopez Romero, archbishop of Rabat, for alleged sexual violence. The information was reported by TV5 Monde.
The accusations target the Spanish prelate who leads the archdiocese of the Moroccan capital. The complainants denounce conduct characterised as sexual violence. The incidents allegedly took place on Moroccan territory.
This case raises questions about the responsibility of ecclesiastical authorities in cases of alleged abuse. The Catholic Church has faced many similar cases in different countries in recent years. Morocco had not previously experienced a case of such scale involving a senior Catholic religious leader to receive such media attention.
Cristobal Lopez Romero is a Spanish prelate appointed archbishop of Rabat in 2019. He was previously auxiliary bishop of Rabat. His appointment was welcomed by the Vatican as a sign of the importance accorded to the Catholic presence in Morocco.
The Moroccan judicial authorities have not yet communicated on the possible opening of an investigation. Criminal procedure in Morocco provides for prosecution of sexual violence offences. The status of the accused, a Spanish national and religious representative, could complicate the conduct of the case.
Source: TV5 Monde
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