Allister raises 'Panorama' allegations in Europe
02 October 2006
Following the disturbing allegations on the BBC Panorama programme concerning Roman Catholic Church document, "CRIMEN SOLLICITATIONIS" and its negative impact on police investigations of clerical sexual abuse, I have today tabled a Priority Question to the Justice and Human Rights Commissioner of the EU in the following terms:-
To Commission:
"Will the Commission comment on the impact of the Roman Catholic Church document "CRIMEN SOLLICITATIONIS", on the fight across Europe against child sex abuse and in particular in regard to its negative effect on the securing and giving of evidence to the police and lawful authorities. What representationms has the Commission made to the Vatican about this policy and if none, to date, will the Commission now urge upon the Vatican the necessity and duty of full disclosure to the police by Church authorities of all information on child abuse incidents?"
Child sexual abuse is an awful scourge. There should be no hiding place for its perpetrators, nor cover-up, by anyone of their abhorrent deeds. With the dominance of the Roman Catholic Church across much of Europe I believe it is appropriatre for the Commission to take an active interest in this matter. I hope there will be no dodging of the issue."
