Buddhist Monk Accused of Sickening Child Sex Abuse at Melbourne Temple Pleases Not Guilty: Six Brave Women Prepare to Confront Their Alleged Tormentor in Court
- Naotunne Vijitha, 70, denies 19 charges of sexual penetration and indecent acts with six girls at a Melbourne temple between 1994 and 2002
- The senior Buddhist monk allegedly lured the girls to his living quarters and sexually abused them, with some claiming he digitally penetrated them or inappropriately touched them
- The trial continues with six women, now in their 30s, set to give evidence against the monk, who faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted
Naotunne Vijitha, a respected Buddhist monk, has pleaded not guilty to 19 sickening charges of child sexual abuse at a Melbourne temple, with six brave women preparing to confront their alleged tormentor in court.
The 70-year-old monk, who was the head monk at the Dhamma Sarana temple in Melbourne’s south-east, denies the allegations, with his barrister describing them as “improbable” and urging the jury to keep an open mind.
Prosecutor Fiona Martin told the jury that the alleged offences took place at the temple’s initial headquarters in Springvale and later at its purpose-built Keysborough site, with the monk allegedly luring the girls to his living quarters and sexually abusing them.
In a heartbreaking development, one complainant allegedly said the monk “apologised and told her not to tell anyone”, while another claimed she was assaulted after entering his living quarters, believing “he might have had some lollies on offer”.
The trial, set to run for about three weeks, will hear from the six women, who are now in their 30s and cannot be identified for legal reasons, as they relive the traumatic events of their past.
Defence barrister Nicholas Papas KC said his client was facing serious charges and that the defence would be asking “questions that are difficult” of Reverend Vijitha’s accusers.
The monk’s future hangs in the balance, with the possibility of up to 19 years in prison if convicted.
The trial continues before Judge Pardeep Tiwana, with the outcome set to have far-reaching implications for the Buddhist community in Melbourne.