Child sex abuse probe launched after accusations against French minister

[News_Editor]

Child sex abuse probe launched after accusations against French minister

2011-06-02 07:12:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

PARIS (BNO NEWS) -- French authorities have launched a preliminary investigation after former Education Minister Luc Ferry on Monday said a government minister had sexually abused boys in Morocco, local media reported Wednesday.

Ferry on Monday appeared on French national TV program the Grand Journal, which airs on Canal Plus, where participants were discussing the arrest of former International Monetary Fund chief, Dominique Strauss-Kahn, on sex abuse charges.

During his participation, Ferry claimed a former French minister, who he refused to name, had been caught sexually abusing children in Marrakech, Morocco, where he participated in an orgy with small boys, Le Monde reported.

Even though Ferry admitted not having any proof, he said the information came from high-level cabinet members and state authorities.

Following the incident, French prosecutors on Wednesday announced the launching of a preliminary investigation into the case, which will likely have French authorities interview Ferry.

On Sunday, civil service minister Georges Tron announced his resignation after two sexual assault complaints were filed against him by two women who used to work with him.

Meanwhile, Strauss-Kahn, who was arrested on May 14, has denied the charges which allege he tried to rape a maid at a New York hotel.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-06-02