Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1544087
7 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 27 MARCH 2026 NEWS Gozo Safeguarding Commission to monitor case involving priest in 2008 rape allegation THE Gozo Safeguarding Commission has confirmed it will monitor developments in a case where a priest allegedly brokered a €7,000 agreement for a 14-year-old girl to with- draw a rape allegation. The Commission said the case was never reported to it and reiterated its com- mitment to upholding safe- guarding standards, referring all reported cases to civil authorities since its estab- lishment in 2022. It also en- couraged anyone who has experienced abuse to seek support through the appro- priate channels. The case emerged following a court judgment revealing that Gozitan priest Michael Said acted as an intermediary in a 2008 arrangement with a Nadur family. The payment was made to drop allegations that several men, including relatives of Nationalist MP Chris Said, had raped the girl. In response, the Gozo Dio- cese said it "understands that such cases raise legitimate questions among the public" and has begun reviewing the court judgment while seeking professional advice. The di- ocese confirmed it is assess- ing "the possibility of further steps" but has not specified what action may be taken. Church safeguarding proce- dures, in place since 1999 and reinforced with the creation of the Gozo Safeguarding Commission in 2022, require any personnel aware of a mi- nor at risk of harm to report the matter to police or child protection authorities. Both the diocese and the Commis- sion emphasized their ongo- ing commitment to main- taining these safeguarding standards. Photo: Diocese of Gozo/Facebook