Lawyer for Cardinal Danneels goes ballistic

Operation Chalice: risk of invalidity of the investigation ...

Counsel of Cardinal Danneels and the Archbishop of Malines-Brussels, Mr. Fernand Keuleneer, said on Thursday that the somewhat terse communication of the Brussels public prosecutor on the subject of the decision of the Court of Indictment may invalidate the investigation of sexual abuse within the Church.

Last Friday, the Brussels public prosecutor had said he was authorized by the magistrate Wim De Troy to communicate about the decision of the Court of Indictment concerning the legality and regularity of investigation.

A spokesman had said that the investigation was continuing and that the investigating judge De Troy "at this time" still is responsible for the case file. The details from the public prosecutor were "incorrect, inaccurate and ultimately misleading" which risk invalidating the investigation, Keuleneer reacted.

The decision of the Court of Indictment delivered on Friday, August 13 remains secret. The prosecutor general said Thursday he will strive for the content of the decision to be communicated. "The execution of the decision must be followed within a reasonable time. When it is executed, inevitably its contents will be known," Keuleneer considers.

The Prosecutor General also believes that sooner or later the content of the decision will be reported. Victims who are civil parties themselves should be able to read this ruling. "Allowing access to certain documents, including this decision must be allowed in accordance with legal provisions," the prosecutor general who has advised the victims' lawyers about the rules to be followed. 

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