Salzburg establishes reporting office amid teacher harassment allegations

Salzburg state and the education directorate have established an independent reporting office following allegations of sexual harassment against a religious teacher at a primary school. The teacher faces accusations of inappropriate touching, including stroking thighs and sitting children on his lap. Following the initial reports, the teacher was first relieved of duty and then suspended. The public prosecutor's office is currently investigating the case. School psychologists are providing support to the students.

Parents reportedly approached the school administration at the beginning of the school year. The education directorate received another tip about a similar, older incident involving the same teacher on Tuesday. Another similar past case became known on Wednesday evening. "Given the suspicion of systematic behavior by the teacher at this time, full clarification and transparency must be ensured," the state announced on Wednesday.

The independent reporting office will be headed by Hans Rathgeb, former president of the Salzburg Regional Court. The church has also pledged its support for the investigation. "We are affected and deeply regret the incidents, even more so as we have invested a great deal of effort in prevention work in recent years," said Erwin Konjecic, head of the school office of the Archdiocese of Salzburg, to Kathpress. The teacher has reportedly admitted to his misconduct in a conversation with him. The ombudsman's office of the Archdiocese of Salzburg is also available for consultations.