Bétharram Case: Judicial Investigation and Harrowing Testimonies of Decades of Abuse

The investigation into the physical and sexual violence committed at the Catholic institution Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques is progressing. Three men have been taken into custody, suspected of aggravated rape, aggravated sexual assault, and aggravated violence for acts spanning from 1957 to 2004. Two remain in detention, while the third, a nonagenarian, has been released.

The case, which has gained momentum with more than 130 complaints filed by former students, reveals a systematic pattern of abuse. Authorities are investigating decades of mistreatment suffered by boarding students, aged 8 to 13 at the time.

Chilling Testimonies

Victims describe an environment of daily violence, punishments, and humiliation. Many recall being subjected to severe beatings, cold showers, and degrading treatment. Some recount experiencing sexual abuse at the hands of both lay staff and clergy members.

Olivier, now 78, entered the school in 1955 at the age of 8. From his very first day, he endured extreme violence. He remembers being thrown into a large wooden box as a form of punishment. Over the years, he suffered relentless physical abuse and witnessed acts of unimaginable cruelty. He describes a climate of fear, where any attempt to resist led to even harsher reprisals.

Manu, who attended the school in the 1980s, also speaks of an oppressive atmosphere. Sent to the institution at 13, he expected a caring Catholic environment but instead found himself trapped in what he describes as a house of correction. He recalls being physically assaulted by older students and staff, witnessing other boys being beaten for minor infractions, and experiencing sexual abuse.

In the early 2000s, Adrien attended the school and reports similar horrors. He speaks of sexual assaults by a priest and attacks from fellow students who, having been victims themselves, became aggressors in turn. He describes being locked in bathrooms and pursued in the woods, recalling the experience as the lowest circle of hell.

A Long-Standing Silence

The investigation, launched more than a year ago, has gathered testimonies from over a hundred victims. Some complaints date back decades, but legal proceedings are complicated by statutes of limitations. A few cases, however, may still be prosecuted.

This is not the first time the institution has faced allegations. In 1995, a student suffered a violent slap from a staff member, causing permanent hearing loss. The perpetrator was fined the following year. In 1998, a former student accused the school’s director of sexual abuse. The priest was indicted and briefly detained before being released under judicial supervision. He later took his own life in the Vatican in 2000.

The case has also drawn political attention. Testimonies suggest that François Bayrou, now Prime Minister, was aware of early accusations against the school in the 1990s, a claim he denies.

For many victims, the recent arrests represent a long-awaited step toward justice. The next phase of the investigation may lead to formal charges and potential trials. Survivors hope their testimonies will not only bring accountability but also prevent such tragedies from happening again.