Bishop Georges Colomb of France Charged with Assault who Withdrew from Office in June - Statement by Bishops

Concerning the indictment of Mgr Georges Colomb, bishop of La Rochelle, who has withdrawn from his office since June 2023. He was charged with sexual assault by an adult male.
Published on November 20, 2023
The Conference of Bishops of France has learned of the indictment of Mgr Georges Colomb, Bishop of La Rochelle, who has been withdrawing from his office since June 2023 (See Statement below), following his indictment for attempted rape of an adult, and its placement under judicial supervision.

This indictment concerns facts that he disputes. They would have occurred in 2013, as part of the Foreign Missions of Paris, of which Georges Colomb was then the Superior.
By reaffirming its confidence in justice, the Conference of Bishops expresses its concern for the person concerned, and recalls the presumption of innocence to which Mgr Georges Colomb is legitimately entitled.To those who will be troubled or hurt by this information, particularly within the diocese of La Rochelle and among the friends of the Foreign Missions of Paris, the Conference of Bishops expresses its closeness. May the Lord who presents himself as “the truth” enlighten and strengthen everyone.

Statement from the Catholic Bishops of France - Image Screenshot from Diocèse de La Rochelle et Saintes

Earlier Press release from the National Canonical Criminal Tribunal (TPCN) regarding MEPs
On June 21, 2023, the National Canonical Criminal Tribunal (TPCN) would like to announce the fact that it has received a mandate from the Superior General of the Foreign Missions of Paris (MEP), to conduct the preliminary canonical investigation concerning the various cases involving cause some of the members of this institute.
This decision is part of a determined desire for this investigation to take place with the greatest possible independence and impartiality.
The Court recalls that it remains available to anyone wishing to provide testimony in these cases.
For obvious reasons of reserve linked to the smooth running of the investigation and the confidentiality of the information collected, the members of the TPCN will not be able to respond to the press either during the investigation or once it is completed.
The relationship with French criminal justice will be done in compliance with the rules applicable in this area, the rights of plaintiffs, the defense and the presumption of innocence.

As a reminder, what is TPCN?

Its creation was voted by all the bishops of France during their plenary assembly in March 2021. Officially installed on December 5, 2022, the national canonical criminal tribunal of the CEF (TPCN) is an internal criminal tribunal of the Catholic Church in France, which deals with canonical offenses committed by clerics (excluding bishops) or lay people . Intended to replace, in canonical criminal matters, the diocesan or interdiocesan courts which exist in France, its jurisdiction extends to the entire national territory.

https://eglise.catholique.fr/espace-presse/communiques-de-presse/546493-au-sujet-de-la-mise-en-examen-de-mgr-georges-colomb-eveque-de-la-rochelle-en-retrait-de-sa-charge-depuis-juin-2023/