9 Mar 2019

Tahiti Catholic priest detained for alleged sexual abuse

5:22 pm on 9 March 2019
Tahiti church

Tahiti church Photo: RNZI Walter Zweifel

A Catholic priest in French Polynesia has been detained for questioning about the alleged sexual abuse of minors.

The 40-year-old man was taken into custody yesterday following a number of complaints.

So far, no charges have been laid.

The archbishop of Papeete Jean-Pierre Cottanceau has issued a statement, saying the church has zero tolerance for sexual abuse.

He says it will be up to the judiciary to determine the priest's innocence or culpability.

It is reportedly the first time a Catholic priest in French Polynesia has been detained.