Former Arctic priest accused of sex abuse under cross-examination

CP26919817
Catholic priest Eric Dejaeger leaves an Iqaluit, Nunavut courtroom Jan. 20, 2011 after his first appearance for six child sexual abuse charges in Igloolik dating back to the 1970s. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Windeyer

IQALUIT, Nunavut – A Crown prosecutor is trying to poke holes in the testimony of a former priest who denies sexually abusing dozens of Inuit children while posted in a remote Arctic community.

Eric Dejaeger is on the witness stand for a second day in a courtroom in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

He has pleaded guilty to eight counts, but denies the remaining 68 assaults he’s accused of committing between 1978 and 1982 when he was an Oblate missionary in Igloolik.

The Crown repeatedly questioned Dejaeger’s claim that he never once listened to confessions because he didn’t speak the Inuktitut language well enough.

Some of the victims have testified the abuse took place during confessionals.

Under cross-examination, Dejaeger says it was his job to serve people and he did perform mass, baptisms and weddings.

(APTN)

News from © The Canadian Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Canadian Press

The Canadian Press is Canada's trusted news source and leader in providing real-time, bilingual multimedia stories across print, broadcast and digital platforms.

Related Articles