The Council of Europe has threatened further action against Portugal unless the government presents a concrete plan to address prison overcrowding. Minister of Justice Rita Alarcão Júdice faced pressure during a recent committee meeting regarding the delayed closure of the Lisbon Penitentiary and ongoing human rights concerns within the prison system.
Council of Europe warns Portugal over prison overcrowding
Friday, 12 June 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
Rita Alarcão Júdice is the Minister of Justice (Ministra da Justiça) in Portugal, serving since April 2024 as part of the government led by Prime Minister Luís Montenegro. A lawyer by profession, she is responsible for overseeing the national judicial system, including the prison services that are currently under scrutiny for overcrowding.
