Charges of Catholic priest abuse dropped   

By The Holland Times Tuesday 17 January 2012, 11:01

Some alleged victims of abuse at the hands of Catholic priests will not see their cases go to court. According to Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten (VVD), the cases date back too far to be eligible for prosecution.

To allow prosecution would be going against European Law, Opstelten told parliament in a briefing. Although there are plans to adjust the current statute of limitations, the minister said the law may not be imposed retroactively.

According to Dutch media, about 100 priests and monks who have been accused will not face charges. 

A 2010 investigation into sexual abuse within the Catholic church revealed an estimated 800 religious figures were involved in child abuse between 1945 and 1985. Over 100 of those individuals are still alive.