Ever since the "Bétharram school scandal" came to light in October 2023, testimonies from former students of the Notre-Dame de Bétharram Catholic boarding school, located in the French Pyrénées, near the city of Pau, who have alleged being victims of acts of physical and sexual violence, have piled up. In 15 months, 200 such reports have been filed. However, one blind spot in this exceptional scandal remains: Given that the Bétharram religious congregation has been established in 14 other countries since the 19th century, could there also be victims abroad?
Some of the priests accused of abuses in France had previously served in Vietnam, Thailand, the Central African Republic, Morocco, or Côte d'Ivoire throughout their careers. This has fueled serious concerns among the Bétharram victims' association. "With 200 complaints filed and an ongoing judicial investigation, we suspect these abuses were not limited to France, but may have been extended to other countries," said the movement in an international call for victims to share their stories, which it issued on Wednesday, April 2. The group, which lacks international reach, has promised the alleged victims its legal support, as well as access to mechanisms that could allow them to obtain recognition and financial reparations.
You have 84.22% of this article left to read. The rest is for subscribers only.