Gozo Diocese considering ‘further steps’ over priest’s role in rape case

The Gozo Diocese has said that it is looking into the possibility of “further steps” regarding a case allegedly involving a priest who helped broker a payment to the victim’s family.

The case centres on testimony showing that Fr Michael Said, a relative of some of the accused, acted as an intermediary in 2008 when a Nadur family was paid €7,000 after alleging that their 14-year-old daughter had been raped. According to the family’s testimony, the priest urged them to accept the money, saying it would be better used for psychological support for the girl than to endure the trauma of court proceedings. The parents later said they regretted accepting the payment.

The court had ruled among other things that the victim’s withdrawal of her complaint prevented prosecution, since the law then required the victim’s backing.

The Diocese of Gozo on social media said it “always takes all allegations involving minors very seriously. The Diocese understands that such cases raise legitimate questions among the public. The Diocese affirms that as soon as it became aware of the content of the court judgment, it began to gather and analyse all possible information and take the necessary professional advice to determine the possibility of further steps. This process is being carried out with care and responsibility, and with respect for all persons involved. The Diocese is committed to protecting vulnerable persons above all else.”

 

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