Cops stop Vatican sex abuse march

2010-10-31 22:08

Rome - Italian paramilitary police are blocking a boulevard leading to the Vatican to prevent a march in Rome by survivors of clergy sex abuse from reaching St Peter's Square.

When Vatican spokesperson, Federico Lombardi came to speak with organisers on Sunday evening, a protester shouted "Shame" in Italian, and Lombardi left, escorted by police. He later told The AP by telephone that if organisers want to see him he'll receive them inside his office.

Protesters from a dozen countries were participating in the protest to let clerical abuse survivors know they're not alone. They held signs with slogans including "Hands off children".

March organisers have said they were denied permission to hold the event on Vatican soil.

- SAPA