Recent revelations detail three reports from 1998 to 2000 highlighting misconduct at Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram, raising concerns about physical and sexual abuse within the institution. A former student accused the former director, Father Carricart, of severe assaults, prompting investigations that have now led to 112 complaints and an ongoing inquiry into incidents from the 1970s to the 1990s. Former Justice Minister Elisabeth Guigou defended the government’s actions and emphasized the importance of addressing sexual offenses.
Alarming Reports on Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram
Recent documents have unveiled three reports, written between 1998 and 2000, that were directed to the then Keeper of the Seals, Elisabeth Guigou, raising concerns about potential widespread misconduct within the Catholic institution of Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram. These revelations were brought to light by AFP on February 18.
Victim Testimony and Official Responses
In 1998, a victim came forward with allegations of physical and sexual violence occurring at the institution during the mid-1990s. Prime Minister François Bayrou, who faced accusations of negligence regarding these serious allegations, vehemently denied any wrongdoing on his part during a statement made on February 18. He aimed his critique at the Jospin government, asserting that the Attorney General had informed the Chancellery about these matters on four different occasions in 1998, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
On June 15, 1998, the Attorney General near the Court of Appeal of Pau submitted a report highlighting the severe allegations against Father Carricart, the former director of the institution. This report was a crucial step in addressing the claims made by a former student, who accused him of repeated sexual assaults and rapes. While the initial information was based on a single complainant, the magistrate indicated that there were potential concerns involving other staff members and students that warranted further investigation.
Subsequently, on December 23, 1998, an additional report was issued indicating that a judicial commission was actively gathering testimonies from former students. Following the tragic suicide of Father Carricart in Rome on February 8, 2000, the prosecutor provided an update on the ongoing investigation, recognizing its potential to attract significant media attention.
To date, a total of 112 complaints have been lodged with the Pau prosecutor’s office, leading to an investigation that commenced in 2024, focusing on incidents of violence, sexual assaults, and rapes primarily occurring from the 1970s through the 1990s. The communication of information between prosecutor’s offices and the ministry is standard practice, particularly when the allegations are severe or involve notable individuals.
In response to the unfolding controversy, former Socialist Justice Minister Elisabeth Guigou expressed her discontent regarding the political discourse surrounding the issue, stating that the government she served as Minister of Justice effectively fulfilled its responsibilities while the judiciary operated independently. She also highlighted her commitment to combating sexual offenses, citing the legislation introduced in 1998 aimed at addressing pedocrime.