TV star in child abuse case

[emad]

The Times
From Alison Roberts in Lisbon



SEVEN people, including one of Portugal’s most popular television presenters, went on trial yesterday on charges of sexual abuse in state-run children’s homes.

The defendants — six men and a woman — include Carlos Cruz, a veteran broadcaster once known as Mr Television, who was so highly regarded that he fronted the Government’s information campaign for the introduction of the euro. He has spent several months in custody and is subject to a court order to remain near his home in Cascais.

“I have never lied and I don’t intend to start now,” Senhor Cruz, 63, said as he arrived at court yesterday to face television cameras, photographers and journalists.

Other defendants include a former Ambassador to South Africa and the director of the Casa Pia network of ten homes for troubled or orphaned children. Charges include child sexual abuse, procurement and rape involving 32 victims.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,3-1375091,00.html