An Italian priest on Thursday got
seven years in jail for favouring prostitution.
Father Giovanni Usai, founder of the Samaritan drug rehab
community in Arborea in Sardinia, was acquitted of sexual
violence.
The court found the priest guilty of allowing Nigerian girls to
engage in sex work instead of looking after them.
He was also found guilty of having sex with them.
The girls were guests in the community, which was supposed to
help prostitutes change their ways as well as treating addicts.
Father Usai said he would appeal the verdict.
He has always stated his innocence.
But prosecutors said he knowingly let the Nigerian girls and
young women work as prostitutes, and also took advantage of
their services.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
