Australian court rejects Cardinal George Pell's appeal

By Recep Sakar

MELBOURNE (AA) – A court in Melbourne, Australia on Tuesday rejected an appeal by Cardinal George Pell to overturn his conviction for sexual abuse, for which he is serving a six-year prison term.

In mid-March, 77-year-old Pell, Australia’s top Catholic cardinal, was convicted of sexually assaulting two choirboys in 1996 and 1997 during his time as cardinal at a Melbourne cathedral.

The Supreme Court of Victoria rejected the appeal by a 2-1 majority during the hearing, which was broadcast live on the court’s official website.

People outside the building and those watching the hearing inside the courtroom welcomed the decision.

“It is a great day for everyone. It is an exciting and historical day for the world,” Rob House, one of the victims, told Anadolu Agency.

House noted that the verdict would contribute to preventing sexual assaults in Catholic churches, “which is wonderful”.

Pell returned to prison following the court’s decision.

*Writing by Sena Guler