Brussels, Belgium, Jun 24, 2010 / 10:26 am
On Thursday, Belgian police searched the homes of Archbishop André-Mutien Léonard of Mechelen-Brussels and retired Archbishop Godfried Danneels following recent allegations of sex abuse by clergy members in the country.
According to Agence France Presse, nearly 30 members of the police force sealed off the home of Archbishop Léonard on Thursday. Officers were also seen carrying a computer and documents after searching the home and office of retired Archbishop Danneels.
Speaking to the Associated Press, Hans Geybels, spokesman for Archbishop Danneels confirmed that police did not question the retired prelate. He added that Archbishop Danneels is fully cooperating, noting that he “believes justice must run its normal course. He has nothing against that.”
Spokesman for Brussels prosecutor's office, Jean-Marc Meilleur remarked that the police conducted the raids “to collect evidence to shed light” on recent clerical sex abuse allegations.