Antonín Juriga detained on sexual assault and torture charges

Antonín Juriga, a former executive director of the Prague Archdiocese, has been placed in custody following police charges of sexual assault and torture. Authorities allege that Juriga forced approximately fifteen to twenty individuals into sexual acts through violence or threats of serious harm.

The indictment further accuses Juriga of extorting and threatening victims, warning them of liquidation if they reported the abuse. Some of the alleged assaults reportedly took place within the Prague Archdiocese building. Police also state that Juriga physically abused victims by hitting, spitting on, and causing internal injuries through various means.

The District Court for Prague 4 ordered the detention on August 8, citing the potential for witness tampering rather than flight risk. Juriga, who recently returned to the country from Malaga, Spain, has filed an appeal against the detention order.