A Seville priest denies sexual abuse allegations, claims victim of blackmail after paying 80,000 euros

A 43-year-old man has alleged that a 80-year-old priest from Seville sexually abused him in 1998 while the complainant was 14 years old. The incident is said to have occurred in Trujillo, Peru, where the priest served as a missionary and rector of the Major Seminary of San Marcelo. The priest, Eduardo Martín Clemens, has denied the allegations and claims he is a victim of blackmail after providing financial assistance to the complainant.

Clemens has made his resignation effective as parish priest of Santa Cruz in Seville, citing his age and health as reasons. He has stated that he has never committed any aggression, violence, or harassment. According to his version, the financial transfers over the past eight years were intended to assist the complainant with family needs, not as payment for silence.

The complainant alleges that the priest boarded him in a square in Chimbote and paid for his bus transfer to Trujillo, where the abuse allegedly occurred. In 2024, the complainant reportedly contacted the priest by phone, expressing concern over the damage caused and requesting that the matter remain private to avoid harming his family. In response, the complainant offered financial support.

Clemens has admitted to transferring approximately 80,000 euros to the complainant over the years but denies any wrongdoing. He has described the accusations as “painful and strange,” emphasizing his lack of involvement in any form of abuse. The priest claims that the complainant initiated a “blackmail” by threatening to report the allegations to ecclesiastical authorities.

The case has been reported by “El País,” and the complainant has provided evidence of money orders and bank transfers as proof of financial exchanges. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of accountability and financial relationships within religious institutions. The case underscores the need for transparency and justice in addressing allegations of misconduct, while also recognizing the importance of protecting victims and ensuring fair treatment.

The incident raises questions about the responsibilities of church leaders and the mechanisms in place to address allegations of abuse. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the pursuit of truth in matters involving the vulnerable. The case reflects the broader challenges of balancing compassion with justice in institutional settings.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)