High Judicial Council on "Operation Chalice": No evidence that the Church exerted pressure on the judiciary
The Belgian High Council for Justice has presented the results of its investigation into the question of whether Roman Catholic bishops obstructed the investigations carried out as part of "Operation Chalice". The Council came to the conclusion that there is no evidence of this.
As part of "Operation Chalice", the public prosecutor's office investigated possible cover-ups of cases of sexual abuse by clergy in 2010. The High Council for Justice was unable to establish any evidence that clergy had exerted any pressure or influence on those involved in the Operation Chalice investigation.
There were no indications that senior church representatives had obstructed the investigation or that they exerted any influence on the judiciary.
Reactions
The Bishops' Conference reacted to High Council for Justice’s conclusions by stating that Belgium’s bishops had never refused to co-operate with the investigations, adding that the accusations levelled against the Church since 2010 must now stop.
Lawyers for victims of sexual violence perpetrated by clergy also reacted to the conclusions of the High Council for Justice’s investigation. They said that the report is yet another slap in the face for their clients.