In the United States, a man accused the vicar (auxiliary) bishop of the Catholic Church in Detroit and the former ambassador of the Apostolic Nunciature (Vatican) in Turkmenistan (he simultaneously represented the Vatican in Turkey and Azerbaijan) Paul Fitzpatrick Russell (Paul Fitzpatrick Russell) of sexual assault, which, according to the alleged sacrifices he made over 30 years ago. This is reported by The Detroit News.
The victim, whose name has not been released, is now over 40 years old. He blames Russell for 25 cases of violence in 1989-90, when the victim was 12 years old.
The lawsuit alleges that the man suffered serious and permanent injuries and currently continues to suffer from a psychological illness that negatively affects all aspects of his life.
In turn, a spokesman for the Archdiocese of Detroit told the publication that Russell was “shocked and saddened by the allegations against him and declares that his conscience is completely clear. He prays for everyone who has ever been abused by a member of the clergy."
Paul Fitzpatrick Russell was the plenipotentiary of the Pope in Turkmenistan from March 2016 to February 2022.
At the moment, the Apostolic Nunciature in Turkmenistan is represented by Attache for Cultural Affairs Madej Andrzej . In December 2020, President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov , among others, in honor of the 25th anniversary of neutrality , awarded him with the anniversary medal "Türkmenistanyn Bitaraplygynyn 25 ýyllygyna".
Source: Chronicles of Turkmenistan