Some 200 people have come forward as of early April to testify about abuse at the Bétharram institution, according to the local prosecutor’s office. Bayrou’s own daughter revealed last month that she was among those physically abused.
One of the most serious allegations dates back to the late 1990s when the school’s director, a priest, was accused of child rape by a former student. The judge in charge of the investigations at the time testified under oath that he had met with Bayrou at his request during the investigation phase, and said he had given him details about the allegations.
The priest committed suicide before the case was concluded.
Bayrou first denied knowing about allegations of sexual abuse and told Le Monde he didn’t discuss them with the judge at the time. He later walked that back, telling lawmakers he “might” have discussed the case with the judge, who was his neighbor.
On Wednesday he said he had “no recollection of this [conversation].” But, he added, “I trust the judge” that it happened.
Other aspects of the case centered around multiple allegations of violent physical abuse, including leaving children outside during freezing winter nights as punishment for misbehavior. In one case described at the hearing, a student narrowly escaped amputation as a consequence of frostbite.
