In late February, shortly after the media uproar regarding the systemic sexual abuse allegations at Notre-Dame de Bétharram school in the Pyrénées, Nathalie began to inquire further. She was among numerous mothers, sisters, and aunts who started reflecting on the experiences of their sons, brothers, or uncles who had attended the private Catholic institution, which is now facing an increasing number of allegations of physical violence, sexual assault, and rape.
Could her brother Nicolas, who was a student there, have also been a victim? He passed away on June 12, 1980, at the age of 12 due to meningitis at the Pau hospital, leaving no opportunity for him to respond to that question. However, after reading various accounts in the media, Nathalie regrettably considered that her brother might have fit the ‘typical profile’ of a target for the pedophile priests at Bétharram.
Consequently, she initiated a request for information within the messaging groups of the victims’ collective. Her investigation uncovered unexpected truths regarding her brother’s death. Speaking publicly for the first time on this matter, Nathalie consented to share her story with Le Monde, requesting anonymity for both herself and her brother.
See more: France Convinces the European Commission to Postpone Tariffs on American Bourbon.
Her father remained unaware of her pursuit of the truth and had no knowledge of her intention to file a complaint against the institution in the near future for failing to protect a person in danger. Her brother’s narrative highlighted the significant deficiencies in the institution’s oversight of students, which may have contributed to the tragic loss of a child.
About The Author
