Sexual violence in Saint-Maurice
The Aubert report mentions the abbey spokesperson
Spokesperson during the conferences on abuses, Antoine Salina, canon of Saint-Maurice, is himself quoted in the Aubert report published last June.
Canon Antoine Salina is himself quoted in the report he had to comment on the press.
KEYSTONE
- The University of Friborg reveals 67 cases of sexual abuse at the Abbey of Saint-Maurice.
- The report identifies 68 victims, including 57 minors, over a period of sixty years.
- Canon Antoine Salina, spokesperson, is mentioned in the report as “Canon 23”.
- Antoine Salina challenges reproach events.
During the publication, on June 20, of the Report of the University of Friborg On sexual abuse at Saint-Maurice Abbey, Canon Antoine Salina had been appointed for communicate linked to this investigation.
The document of 164 pages Traces the sexual violence committed to the Abbey of Saint-Maurice and in his institutions between 1960 and 2024. He lists 67 situations of “proven sexual violence” having touched “at least 68 people”, including 57 minors at the time of the facts. The investigation also highlights a “strict and authoritarian framework” where “violence is relatively accepted by canons, who also practice it as an educational method”.
Among the members of the community mentioned in the report, Antoine Salina confirmed at the microphone of Canal 9 that it is designated under anonymity by the mention “Canon 23”. The spokesperson appears there twice.
A climate of violence in the Saint-Maurice Abbey
The first occurrence appears on page 78, in a testimony describing a climate of violence, exercised by the table chiefs during meals served to the students of the boarding school, and which would have been tolerated by Antoine Salina. “There were table managers who were in charge of dispatches the trays. We were eight or ten per table. […] If the table manager had decided to piss off the back, he took his share, and suddenly, he could not eat a midday or evening meal. It was never controlled by Canon 2 or Canon 23. ”
Further on, on page 92, the document reports that “an employee of the abbey revealed to have surprised canon 23 in a compromising situation with a student whose identity she ignores, at an indefinite period (about fifteen years before the revelation), which the canon has vigorously disputed”.
Indeed, Antoine Salina filed a defamation complaint on November 27, 2023, after being informed by message that a knowledge accused him of a possible offense to the sexual integrity of a minor.
He would have been surprised to kiss a student, whose age and identity could not be determined. A few weeks later, the authorities responsible for prosecution decided to classify the case without follow -up. “Nothing has made it possible to demonstrate that there was an offense that would not be prescribed,” said Beatrice Pilloud, a Valais general prosecutor, to our colleagues from Canal 9. Following this decision, Antoine Salina withdrew her complaint.
As a reminder, the Saint-Maurice Abbey had itself requested the opening of an independent investigation, following the broadcast in late 2023 of The program “Development” (RTS)in order to analyze its dysfunctions in depth.
If you are affected by sexual violence in a religious environment, the Sapecorganization specializing in supporting victims, can help you.
“The Valais week”
Discover most of the news of the canton of Valais, every Friday in your mailbox.
Other newsletters
Did you find an error? Please report it to us.
