Report: Over 500 boys abused at German choir

By Cuneyt Karadag

BERLIN (AA) - A lawyer appointed to investigate allegations of child physical and sexual abuse at a prestigious boys’ choir in Germany has said more than 500 minors were abused by priests and teachers.

Ulrich Weber, in a report released on Tuesday, said at least 547 children in the famous Regensburger Domspatzen choir were subjected to ill-treatment between 1945 and 1990.

Georg Ratzinger, director of the choir from 1964 to 1994 -- the brother of former Pope Benedict XVI -- was also accused of “failing to intervene”.

Life in the choir was described as being like "a prison, hell and a concentration camp", according to victims' statements.

The Catholic Church is to pay compensation to the victims but legal action against alleged perpetrators seems unlikely as the crimes took place so long ago.