(21 Dec 2021) A defrocked American priest accused of sexually abusing orphaned and disadvantaged young girls under his care in East Timor was found guilty on Tuesday and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Richard Daschbach faced charges of child sexual abuse as well as child pornography and domestic violence in the first case of its kind in the staunchly Catholic nation.
The 84-year-old spent decades as a missionary in the country’s remote enclave of Oecusse.
His trial began in February but was postponed several times before concluding last month.
During the proceedings, victims complained about threats and online attacks.
Daschbach is revered for his role during the tiny Southeast Asian nation’s fight for independence maintains strong backing from some, including former President Xanana Gusmao, who attended court on Tuesday.
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