Priest on child abuse images: 'Like collecting stamps'
A Danish priest faces charges for possessing over 80,000 images and nearly 2,300 videos depicting child abuse, which he likened to stamp collecting.
A Danish priest from Zealand is currently facing serious legal charges for possessing an extensive and disturbing collection of child abuse images and videos. Authorities report that he has around 80,000 images and almost 2,300 videos, with hundreds assessed as particularly severe cases of abuse. His arrest followed a tip-off from Dropbox, which led police to retrieve disturbing materials from the church's work computer used by the priest.
During the court proceedings in Næstved, the 60-year-old man likened his actions to 'collecting stamps,' which highlights a chilling detachment from the severity of his crimes. Previously, as a parish priest, he interacted closely with children, including leading pastoral care groups designed for youth. His apparent lack of awareness about the gravity of his actions is alarming, given his role and the trust placed in him by the community.
The legal proceedings against the priest are set to culminate in a verdict on February 25, raising concerns about the impact of such crimes not only on victims but also on the community's trust toward religious institutions. The case underscores the broader issue of child protection and the criminal behaviors that can exist within positions of authority, particularly where children are concerned.