Priest Binu Joseph arrested in Paranaguá on sexual abuse charges

Binu Joseph Chollackal, an Indian priest and former parish priest of Nossa Senhora dos Navegantes in Paranaguá, has been placed under preventive detention by the judiciary. The arrest follows a criminal complaint filed by the Public Ministry of Paraná, which accuses him of sexual violation through fraud, abuse of religious authority, and psychological violence against women.

The detention was ordered to ensure the integrity of evidence and protect the judicial process, as investigations suggest the priest was approaching and influencing witnesses related to his cases. The allegations include incidents occurring between 2010 and 2024. One specific case involved a 20-year-old woman in 2022, for which he has already received a conviction that is currently under appeal.

Legal representatives for the priest and the Diocese of Paranaguá have issued statements asserting his innocence and noting that the proceedings are under judicial secrecy. They argued that media exposure could be detrimental to the parties involved and the legal process.