Conductor held for alleged child sex abuse

The conductor of a renowned Czech children’s choir was arrested for allegedly sexually abusing girls, the country’s TV said today.

It said Bohumil Kulinsky, 45, head of the Bambini di Praga choir, was arrested on Thursday on suspicion that he abused at least nine underage members of his choir over an unspecified period of time.

A judge ruled today that Kulinsky remain in custody during police investigation.

The choir, which is to leave for a month-long tour in Japan on Sunday, was founded in 1973 by Kulinsky’s father Bohumil. Kulinsky now is managing the choir with his mother Blanka.

Kulinsky’s wife Linda Vagnerova told the television that the charges against her husband were absurd and aimed at damaging his reputation as well as the reputation of the choir.

According to unofficial reports, Kulinsky’s first wife Margita reported him to the police. Kulinsky’s both first and second wife are former members of the choir.

Kulinsky faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.