In the Czech Catholic Church, the persistent issue of sexual abuse remains inadequately addressed, according to psychologist and lawyer Ladislav Koubek and Jan Rozek, the founder of the Pro Clean Church association. In an interview for Spotlight by Zuzana Tvarůžková, they shared not only their personal experiences but also the mechanisms behind the long-standing silence surrounding these abuses. Two years ago, they initiated a call that garnered the support of two thousand people, urging thorough investigations into cases and holding specific bishops accountable. Koubek mentioned that they received no response from the Vatican for an entire year regarding their appeals.

Rozek, a former judge of the diocesan court, described his first encounters with the institution as akin to "hitting a wall." He recounted how numerous cases have been swept under the rug, with priests merely being transferred from one parish to another without addressing the underlying issues. He noted that when cases did draw attention, the common solution appeared to be relocating the priest to another city or country, leaving local communities unaware of the clerics' backgrounds. This continues to perpetuate an environment where accountability is sidestepped.

The problem is depicted not as a series of isolated failures but rather as a systemic issue embedded within the Church's structure. Koubek and Rozek's testimonies highlight the urgent need for reform and transparency within the Church, emphasizing the implications for the victims who have long sought justice and recognition of their suffering. Their advocacy seeks to instigate a significant change that challenges the historical complacency surrounding these grave matters and promotes a more responsible and responsive ecclesiastical environment.