37 Abused In Custody

42 have exceeded boundaries in influencing the children in their pursuit against paedophiles.”

In an affidavit he signed on Feb. 2 a copy of which was obtained by the INQUIRER, Iniguez said a new trial might put Fitzgerald in another light

“I feel that the pronouncement of guilt against Fitzgerald was not one beyond reasonable doubt.”

Inigues in a statement, after speaking with alleged child abuse victims, their mothers and other people who, according to them, “expressed views and convictions about the innocence of Fitzgerald.”

On Feb. 7, 27 priests from the same Diocese, in a gesture of support, also signed a statement expressing doubts about the guilt of Fitzgerald and seeking for a retrial.

“So we also ask that this case, which is now pending for reconsideration in the Court of Appeals be reopened and the new trial be granted.” The priests said. 37 Abused In Custody

One of them, who asked not to be identified, also lamented the manner in which Cullen, in soliciting funds from foreign funding associations, had actually abused the girls in his custody.

He cited as an example a documentary film shown abroad to attract donor institutions.

In that film, the priest said the producers aside from flashing the child victim’s face from the camera in violation of the rights of the abused not to be identified.

In an interview on the same issue last year, Cullen defended the film producers by saying that is was “therapeutic for child abuse victims to come out in the open.”

Another priest told the INQUIRER that they had no option but to come out with the statement considering the injustice being done to Fitzgerald id indeed he was innocent of the charge. Cullen branded the priests, including Iniguez a “paedophile” protectors.”

“They (Bishop Iniguez and the priests) were persuaded by, maybe they got donations from….who knows, from tourist industry,” Cullen said.

“Why did they not sign statements when these girls were being abused and raped?” a visibly irked Cullen told reporter here.

Reveal sources

“You have to read my press release in order for you to know how sleazy lives these priests are leading” Cullen said. The priest also tried to press reporters to reveal their sources.

“Who gave you the copy of the statements? How can you expect me to