Advertisement

Trial begins for Saskatoon priest in connection with alleged 2023 sexual assault

Click to play video: 'Testimony begins in Saskatoon priest sex assault trial'
Testimony begins in Saskatoon priest sex assault trial
The trial for a Saskatoon priest accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year--old girl in 2023 is now underway. As Mackenzie Mazankowski reports, court heard video testimony from the alleged victim Monday. – Aug 26, 2024

The trial for a Saskatoon priest accused of sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2023 is now underway.

On Monday, the court heard the plaintiffs’ video statement, recorded just days after the alleged incident, and translated from Ukrainian to English for the court.

In her statement she explained her mom worked for the church as a cleaner and she would ocasionally help.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

On March 12, 2023, she said they were both cleaning separate parts of the church when Father Janko Kolosnjaji allegedly approached her and asked for a hug. She said nothing and hugged him. She said hugging had become an odd habit of theirs.

She said her head was tilted down during the hug when Father Janko Kolosnjaji lifted her chin and pulled her in for a kiss on the lips. Moments later, Kolosnjaji allegedly told her she has very beautiful eyes.

Story continues below advertisement

Feeling uncomfortable with the situation, she left and informed her mom about what happened. They both left the church immediately.

The trial will continue throughout the next few days with more testimonies to come.

Sponsored content

AdChoices