Decades-Long Abuse Scandal Uncovered at Notre-Dame de Bétharram Institution; Allegations Span 1955-2004

February 21, 2025
Decades-Long Abuse Scandal Uncovered at Notre-Dame de Bétharram Institution; Allegations Span 1955-2004
  • In a related case, a 94-year-old religious figure was questioned about incidents of sexual assault from 1957 to 1962, during which he admitted to one act of sexual aggression.

  • The investigation highlights the long-standing nature of these allegations, with only three of the original eleven accused individuals still alive, while others have escaped prosecution due to the statute of limitations.

  • The accused, who worked at the Catholic institution since 1984, was removed from his position in 2024 following the initiation of the investigation.

  • Prosecutor Rodolphe Jarry confirmed that the ongoing investigation is part of a larger case involving numerous victims and serious accusations against staff at the Notre-Dame de Bétharram institution.

  • During a recent appearance on TF1, Mur admitted to slapping students as a form of punishment but denied any more serious allegations of violence or sexual misconduct.

  • The inquiry was prompted by 112 denunciation letters collected by the Pau prosecutor's office, implicating 11 individuals, eight of whom are deceased, for crimes spanning from 1955 to 2004.

  • Among those implicated is Ange Mur, a former supervisor and deacon, who has been suspended due to allegations of violence against students during his tenure from 1979 to 1981.

  • Mur, born in 1965, has been placed in provisional detention after being charged with aggravated rape and sexual assault against minors.

  • Despite his denials, the prosecutor noted that some allegations may be time-barred due to statutes of limitations, and Mur's admissions raise serious concerns about his conduct.

  • Another suspect, known by the nickname 'Cheval', has also been detained for multiple sexual assaults and violence against minors, admitting to slapping students but denying sexual allegations.

  • On February 21, 2025, a judicial inquiry was initiated by the Pau public prosecutor's office into allegations of sexual violence and assaults linked to the Notre-Dame de Bétharram institution, focusing on events that reportedly occurred between 1991 and 2004.

  • As of now, around 100 victims have been interviewed, with the investigation revealing a troubling pattern of abuse and misconduct by staff at the institution.

Summary based on 10 sources


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