Authorities in the canton of Uri are calling for a full investigation into historical cases of sexual abuse committed by Benedictine monks during the 1960s and 1970s at the Karl Borromaeus College in Altdorf.
The revelations follow a recent investigation by Swiss-German broadcaster SRF’s Rundschau programme, which uncovered allegations of abuse and a long-standing cover-up involving the school’s leadership and government officials.
Education Director Georg Simmen says he was shocked by the findings, acknowledging that the school's reputation was prioritised over the wellbeing of victims. He now intends to collaborate with the University of Zurich, which is currently researching cases of sexual abuse within the Catholic Church and its affiliated institutions.
SRF reports that the abuse was known to then-principal Father Hugo Willi as early as 1975, after concerned parents came forward. Despite this, the school - run by Benedictine clergy - failed to act, and allegations were kept quiet for decades. They are now calling for victims to come forward.
The Benedictine order has since issued an apology.
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