Peru church sex abuse: Founder and leader found guilty of physical and sexual abuse

Latin America

Last week, an elite Peruvian Catholic group admitted that its founder and former leader is guilty of the accusations of sexual and physical abuse made against him last year.

CCTV America’s Dan Collyns reports from Lima.

For victims of Luis Fernando Figari, founder and leader of Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, the statement from the church’s current leader has been a long time coming. Last October, Peru’s attorney general launched an investigation into allegations Figari sexually and physically abused children and former members of the sect.

The investigation was prompted following the publication of the book, “Half Monks-Half Soldiers,” by investigative authors, Paola Ugaz and Pedro Salinas. They interviewed 30 former members of the Catholic society known as Sodalitium Christianae Vitae, who describe being physically abused and brainwashed.

Three anonymous former members accused Figari of rape and molestation when they were boys.

But as investigations continue, it’s clear he is not the only one facing such accusations. Figari’s lawyer has said he denied all the allegations.

The question now is whether Figari can be charged and tried for alleged abuse that took place decades ago.