Former diplomat to SA in child-sex scandal

Lisbon - Ten people in Portugal have been charged in connection with a much-publicised scandal involving the sexual abuse of children from a state-run institution.

These included a former ambassador to South Africa, an opposition lawmaker and two popular television personalities.

Attorney-General José Souto Moura said yesterday the charges were laid following a lengthy investigation in which over 600 witnesses were heard.

Souto Moura said the 10 were charged with seven crimes, including rape, child sexual abuse and the procurement of minors for sex acts.

While he did not name the 10, the Lusa news agency, citing lawyers for the accused, said they included Paulo Pedroso, a minister in the last Socialist government, along with TV presenters Carlos Cruz and Herman José, and former ambassador to SA Jorge Ritto.

Portuguese police have been investigating allegations that the four public figures and six others sexually molested children from Casa Pia, a Lisbon-based network of state-run homes for troubled children.

Police began their investigation in November 2002 after Portuguese media reported that a driver at Casa Pia, which means "Pious House", had helped wealthy alleged child molesters meet youngsters in his care since 1975.

The 46-year-old driver, 46-year-old Carlos Silvino, was put on trial in October on charges of sexually abusing four minors, including a deaf-mute. However he faced new charges yesterday. - Sapa-AFP.