Finnish priest charged with child sexual abuse and misconduct in office

A priest from the Satakunta region faces trial within weeks on charges of sexually abusing children and breaching official duties, according to a report by Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Prosecutor Anna Paassilta-Ylikahri confirmed the case will be heard in Satakunta District Court before Midsummer, though she declined further comment at this stage. Court records show the priest is accused of three counts of sexual abuse against a child and three counts of dereliction of duty.

The alleged offences began in April 2023, with two incidents continuing until June and one until September of that year. The crimes came to light in autumn 2023, prompting the parish to file a criminal report. The priest was immediately removed from youth work.

Last week, formal charges were filed, and the accused was suspended from all clerical duties, barring them from serving in any parish. The Turku Archdiocese’s chapter will review the suspension at its meeting on 29 April and is expected to propose its continuation until the court delivers a final ruling.

According to Yle, the priest has acknowledged the decisions and feels they were heard in the process but has not otherwise commented. The broadcaster has not reached the accused for a response to the charges.

Yle is withholding the name of the parish to protect those involved, as the case remains under investigation.