Update: A young priest was arraigned in the Gozo Court this afternoon charged with child molestation.
Magistrate Paul Coppini granted a request made by Carmelo Galea, the priest’s lawyer, for the hearing to be held behind closed doors.
The court also agreed to a ban of the publication of proceedings, his name, or the name of the victims. The priest, hid his face from waiting reporters as he was taken in to court.
It is understood that the alleged abuse took place over several months.
The priest was granted bail against a personal guarantee and deposit.
The prosecution is being led by Inspector Sylvana Briffa.
Update: Statement from Bishop Mario Grech
Bishop Grech in a statement said that, “any case of sexual abuse a minor wound is deeper in the Church and in society.
“As a pastor I am close to the alleged victims and their families. I acknowledge that I have duties both to all priests, even those who make mistakes, as well as to the people of God, particularly to minors.
“As in this case I followed the protocols outlined by Canon and civil law and will do so in the future should similar cases arise.”