Cardinal Dziwisz avoids testimony in child abuse case
The senior churchman failed to appear at Kraków court for the second time as a witness in a civil trial over 20 million złoty compensation for a victim of a paedophile priest. The cleric cites his age and poor health.
Cardinal Dziwisz avoids testimony in child abuse case
A Kraków court has set a new date for testimony from Cardinal Stanisław Dziwisz as a witness. Nevertheless, the senior churchman again failed to appear at the hearing concerning a claim for 20 million złoty in compensation for a man who experienced sexual abuse as a child by a parish priest from Międzybrodzie Białskie.
The plaintiff's lawyers believe that the cardinal may have known about the perpetrator's actions, since he received warnings from Fr. Tadeusz Isakowicz-Zaleski requesting that he take steps. However, the churchman himself contests having any information on the matter, arguing that during the period in question he was in the Vatican.
The cleric submitted a document to the court in which he points to his advanced age and health problems. He emphasises that participation in court proceedings causes him excessive stress and asks to be relieved of the obligation to appear in person. The court of justice now awaits medical documentation confirming these circumstances.
If a court-appointed physician verifies the health status of the senior churchman, the testimony may be conducted at his place of residence. In another scenario, the court may impose a fine or issue an order for compulsory attendance.
It is worth recalling that earlier a Białystok court awarded the injured party 400 thousand złoty in compensation from the diocese for negligence in relation to reports of abuse. During ecclesiastical proceedings, Fr. Jan W. admitted guilt, which resulted in his suspension and punishment by the curia.
Source: Interia
Source: Interia