The RD$70,000 bond that Juan Manuel Mota de Jesus (Father Johnny) from Constanza was allowed to post during a hearing in La Vega yesterday, Thursday 13 February, was met with widespread protests on the grounds that it backs impunity in his case. He was accused in August 2013 by a group of organizations and citizens led by the Cibao Women’s Coordinating Committee (CMC). In September, four of the 15 women who are accusing the priest of rape formally presented their cases to the Constanza district attorney.
The women’s group says that the decision confirms that members of the clergy accused of sexual abuse in this country continue to enjoy impunity.
“Judge Yanet Martinez, of the Constanza court, ordered Padre Johnny’s release with a bond of only RD$70,000 and periodic appearances before the authorities, as well as a restraining order on approaching the victims’ houses,” says a statement from the women’s organization, as reported in Acento.com.do
The statement from CMC went on to say that it was regrettable that the priest was being released with such a low bail just days after the United Nations Children’s Rights Committee called on the Vatican to remove all the members of the clergy accused or suspected of sexually abusing minors and hand them over to justice.
www.acento.com.do/index.php/news/164619/56/Pagando-70-mil-pesos-quedo-libre-un-cura-acusado-de-violar-a-5-menores.html
www.acento.com.do/index.php/news/164721/56/Rechazan-la-fianza-otorgada-al-padre-Johnny-y-dicen-que-garantiza-impunidad.html