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France launches new investigation into abuse at catholic school
French authorities have opened a new investigation into alleged abuse at the Saint-Joseph school in Nay, southwestern France. The inquiry, initiated in June, concerns violent acts dating back several decades.
Rodolphe Jarry, prosecutor in Pau, confirmed that the investigation covers two complaints of assaults occurring between 1965-1967 and 1975-1982. The gendarmerie in Nay has been tasked with carrying out the inquiry following reports from the local education authority regarding violent incidents from the 1970s.
A victims’ collective, formed in March after revelations about abuse at a neighboring Catholic school, reported that at least four former students have filed complaints for torture, inhumane treatment, and physical and psychological violence spanning 1965 to 1996. Allegations include beatings, punishments in pajamas in the schoolyard, sexual assault, and suspected rape.
The collective stated that around twenty testimonies have been collected so far, identifying about fifteen potential victims. Among the alleged perpetrators are several teachers and supervisors, both religious and lay, including one still active in the educational system.
Saint-Joseph school, founded in 1875 and operating under a state agreement, had 744 students enrolled in the 2021-2022 academic year. The investigation forms part of a broader effort in France to address historical abuse in religious institutions.