The court presiding over the trial of José Sócrates has scheduled the next 20 sessions for the playback of recorded statements, ensuring that future lawyers for the former prime minister have time to prepare their defence without interrupting the proceedings. According to a ruling issued on Tuesday, March 10, by the presiding judge, this involves over 100 hours of testimony from the investigation and instruction phases, as well as statements from deceased witnesses that must be presented in court to be considered. Judge Susana Seca noted that this approach allows new defence counsel time to familiarise themselves with the case files. The trial, which involves 21 defendants accused of 117 economic and financial crimes, is expected to continue with these playbacks until at least early May, despite ongoing issues regarding the legal representation of José Sócrates.