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Former Ozanam Pupil Sues French State for 'Faute Lourde' Over Alleged Abuse Oversight Failures

The filing targets alleged state failures to supervise Catholic schools.

Overview

  • The administrative claim was lodged in Limoges at the end of November and seeks to establish serious fault by the State for lack of oversight at Ozanam and Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram.
  • The plaintiff says he was abused between ages 9 and 13 and alleges the Education Ministry conducted no inspections at Ozanam during his schooling.
  • He says he is not seeking money and instead calls for stronger protections for current pupils and a legal extension of limitation periods.
  • Earlier criminal efforts faltered: complaints filed in May were deemed time-barred on appeal, a separate July probe was closed because accused priests had died, and a cassation appeal is now pending.
  • The Education Ministry says Ozanam underwent an on-site inspection in May 2025 and that 40% of private schools under contract will be checked by 2027, including 1,000 by the end of 2025.