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[CRIME] · Germany · 4 sources

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Part of situation: Cologne Archdiocese abuse liability litigation (2 clusters)

Archdiocese of Cologne faces record damages in abuse case

Catholic Church sexual abuse damages Archdiocese of Cologne German courts

The Higher Regional Court of Cologne has indicated it intends to award between 500,000 and 600,000 euros in damages to a victim of sexual abuse by a Catholic priest. This potential ruling would set a new record for the highest compensation awarded by a German court to a victim of abuse within the Catholic Church, surpassing the previous maximum of 300,000 euros.

The case involves a woman who was severely abused by a priest during the 1970s and 1980s while she was his foster daughter. The perpetrator was sentenced to twelve years in prison in 2022. While the Cologne Regional Court had previously dismissed the claim on the grounds that the Archdiocese was not liable for the priest's actions, the Higher Regional Court has signaled that this decision requires correction.

The final verdict is expected to be announced on November 26. The court noted that 360,000 euros already paid to the plaintiff by the Independent Commission for Recognition Services (UKA) will be credited toward the total damages. The plaintiff had originally sought a minimum of 830,000 euros.

Entities

Archdiocese of Cologne · Cologne · Cologne Regional Court · Higher Regional Court of Cologne · Independent Commission for Recognition Services

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Sources

Rekordsumme für Missbrauchsopfer angekündigt [www.dattelner-morgenpost.de]
Rekordsumme für Missbrauchsopfer angekündigt [www.recklinghaeuser-zeitung.de]
Rekordsumme für Missbrauchsopfer angekündigt [www.muensterlandzeitung.de]
Rekordsumme für Missbrauchsopfer angekündigt [www.wz.de]