JAN JOOSTEN, OXFORD THEOLOGY PROFESSOR, JAILED IN FRANCE FOR CHILD ABUSE IMAGES

In June 2020, Jan Joosten, a 61-year-old theology professor affiliated with Oxford University, was sentenced to prison in France after being found in possession of an alarming number of child abuse images and videos. The investigation that led to his arrest was conducted by police authorities in Strasbourg, a city known for its meticulous law enforcement efforts. The case drew significant attention due to Joosten's prominent academic position and the disturbing nature of the evidence uncovered.

Joosten, who was appointed as Oxford’s esteemed Regius Professor of Hebrew in 2014—a title established by King Henry VIII during the 16th century—was suspended from his duties following the conviction. The university and Christ Church, the college with which he was associated, issued a formal statement on the matter, confirming his suspension pending further disciplinary actions. The statement emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the university was taking appropriate steps in response to the criminal proceedings.

The police investigation in Strasbourg revealed that Joosten had downloaded approximately 28,000 images and videos depicting child abuse, including explicit content involving minors. The evidence included depictions of child rape, which shocked the authorities and the public alike. Joosten, who is a father of four, admitted to the facts of the case and described his addiction as a “secret garden,” a metaphor he used to express the internal conflict and shame he felt, which was in stark contrast to his public persona and professional reputation.

Last week, a court in Saverne, a city in northeastern France, sentenced Joosten to one year in prison. The court’s ruling was based on the substantial evidence presented, which indicated that he possessed around 27,000 images and approximately 1,000 videos related to child abuse. Despite the severity of the charges, Joosten was not immediately incarcerated; instead, his sentence will be subject to supervision and could be modified by an independent judge in the future. The court also mandated a three-year treatment program aimed at addressing his behavior, prohibited him from having any contact with minors, and ordered him to register as a sex offender under French law.

Joosten’s legal team argued that imprisonment was unnecessary, citing that this was his first offense and that he had voluntarily sought psychiatric help to combat his addiction. Nonetheless, the court’s decision reflects the serious nature of the crimes and the ongoing efforts by French authorities to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors from harm.