Ex-Father’s Child-Baby Case Goes to Trial

The former priest, Liu Jiare, 43, has been convicted of indecent assault and attempted adultery involving a juvenile victim from 12 years ago. The judge ruled that the accused had harmed the victim, citing the victim as an honest and reliable witness. The case, which is set to conclude in July, involves multiple charges, including two counts of indecent assault, one of attempted adultery, and one of indecent assault. The court also ordered psychological evaluations as part of the proceedings.

The Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong expressed that the Parish would monitor the case closely and would only comment on the verdict, deciding whether to appeal. The victim, who has not been named, expressed gratitude to the police and media for their support and the community’s interest in the case. The victim described the court’s ruling as a resolution to 12 years of frustration.

The judge noted that the victim had a clear memory of the 1991 incident and was considered an honest and reliable witness, despite suffering from schizophrenia. The doctor overseeing the victim’s care stated that the individual had recovered. The judge dismissed the argument that the victim’s confession was delusional, emphasizing that the defendant had not physically touched the victim.

The defendant, a 27-year-old man, testified in court that he returned to Hong Kong in 1990 to meet Liu Jiare, who had recently arrived as a monk. He claimed to have been sexually assaulted multiple times each night in January 1991 in the dormitory of the Catholic Church of St. José. The defendant alleged that the assaults occurred under the pretense of “sexual therapy” and that Liu Jiare had plans to study in England.

Following the trial, the defendant was sent to the Holy Mother’s Orchestra. Several other defendants from the late Hong Kong Catholic Church Hu Jin courtship requested resignations but did not report the charges and were subject to legal consequences. In May of the previous year, the victim came forward publicly, leading to police involvement.

The case highlights the complexities of legal proceedings involving allegations against religious figures, emphasizing the need for accountability and the protection of victims. The judicial process underscores the importance of truth and fairness in addressing such matters.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)