A scandal involving a French Catholic school: the institution to be closed after a report concludes a former prime minister \u201cfailed to act\u201d in abuse cases<\/p>\n
This news coverage addresses measures related to a prominent Catholic school in France, where plans were announced to close it following the release of a report by parliamentarians indicating inaction by a former official in dealing with abuse cases. The case concerns the Notre-Dame de B\u00e9tharram school, where H\u00e9l\u00e8ne Perlant, the daughter of former French Prime Minister Fran\u00e7ois Bayrou, said she was beaten while attending the school.<\/p>\n
In early July 2025, French parliamentarians issued a report addressing the spotlight on sexual abuse of students at the Notre-Dame de B\u00e9tharram school. The report pointed to the former prime minister Bayrou\u2019s \u201cfailure to act\u201d while the abuses were taking place.<\/p>\n
At the time the violations were committed, Fran\u00e7ois Bayrou\u2014who later became prime minister\u2014was serving as Minister of Education and president of the General Council of the Pyr\u00e9n\u00e9es-Atlantiques department, where the school is located. He had been informed of the incident, and his wife was teaching theology at the institution, while Perlant reported that she herself was subjected to physical assault.<\/p>\n
Gu\u00e9rin said in an interview with RTL radio: \u201cB\u00e9tharram will be closed. This institution tarnishes the reputation of Catholic education. This will be done next summer.\u201d<\/p>\n
In 2024, the public was informed of crimes dating back to the 1950s, after law enforcement authorities opened investigations in response to receiving hundreds of complaints from victims.<\/p>\n
An investigation is currently underway into crimes committed at the school during the 1970s and 1990s. More than 200 complaints have been filed by former students of Notre-Dame de B\u00e9tharram who suffered mistreatment over the years, alleging they were subjected to physical or sexual abuse by 14 priests.<\/p>\n
United News Network \u2013 UNN Arabic
\nAn independent media platform providing reliable news and objective analysis, seeking to promote peace and cultural dialogue around the world, to convey the truth and build bridges of understanding between peoples.<\/p>\n