Fr Cullen highlights plight of exploited children

Fr Cullen highlights plight of exploited children Fr Shay Cullen

An Irish priest known for his work protecting children in danger of trafficking and abuse has briefed the Oireachtas on the depraved tortures faced by vulnerable young people.

Fr Shay Cullen, a Columban missionary, has been fighting horrific treatment of women and children in the Philippines, and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize several times.

He told senators in Leinster House last week that children are being used for ‘cyber sex’ in the country, and are being forced to perform sexual acts while people pay to watch online.

Fr Cullen said Irish legislators need stricter laws forcing internet service providers to block sites, adding that paedophilia is a global business.

Charity

The priest runs a charity called the People’s Recovery, Empowerment Development Assistance Foundation (PREDA), which aims to liberate children from brothels and jails while helping those who are abandoned.

Fr Cullen also revealed that he received death threats from sex traffickers, and more recently from people trying to extort money from the charity.