Perilous
Times
Dutch prosecutors are to investigate the deaths of 34 boys
in a Catholic institute
By MIKE CORDER, Associated Press
AMSTERDAM — Dutch prosecutors are to investigate the deaths of 34
boys in a Catholic institute for the mentally disabled in the
1950s — the latest probe in a long-running inquiry into sexual
abuse in the church.
Prosecutors said Tuesday they are opening a criminal investigation
into the "possibly suspicious" number of deaths over a three-year
period "in view of the extent of the matter and the impact such
matters have on society."
The unusually high death rate was uncovered in church archives by
an independent commission investigating sexual abuse allegations
in the Catholic Church. A prosecution statement gave no indication
how the boys died.
Prosecutors warned, however, that if criminal activity is
uncovered the statute of limitations will apply to any suspects.
The Roermond Diocese — where the institute was based — issued a
statement saying it could not comment on the investigation, but
welcomed the probe, saying it was in line with the diocese's
policy of reporting such matters to prosecutors if necessary.
The deaths occurred in a former Roman Catholic boarding school and
social workshop for the mentally disabled in the town of Heel in
the southern Netherlands.
The case concerns "34 boys under 18 who died in the years 1952,
1953 and 1954," prosecutors said.
The commission, led by former government minister Wim Deetman,
said it could make no comment because of the ongoing
investigation.
Investigators said they have informed the dead boys' next of kin —
when they could be tracked down and were still alive. Prosecutors
did not say how many relatives they had spoken to.
"Further investigation will also be aimed at hearing the people
involved," prosecutors said without elaborating. "Depending on the
results, it will be decided at a later stage whether a more
extensive investigation is necessary."
Deetman's commission is investigating some 2,000 sex abuse
allegations. It is expected to present its final report by year's
end.