The trial of two police officers accused of sexual assault and other crimes at the Rato police station (esquadra do Rato) began this week behind closed doors. The defense is currently challenging evidence presented by the Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público), specifically disputing the presence of the victim's DNA on a baton linked to the case.
Trial begins for officers in Rato police station case
Friday, 11 September 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Ministério Público (Public Prosecution Service) is Portugal's independent state prosecution body, responsible for leading criminal investigations, bringing charges, and representing the public interest in court.
The MP operates autonomously from the government and the police, though it directs criminal investigations carried out by the Polícia Judiciária, PSP, and GNR. It is led by the Procurador-Geral da República (Attorney General), who is appointed by the President on the government's proposal.
The MP gets involved in high-profile cases including corruption, financial crime, and incidents of potential institutional negligence. It also defends the legality of government actions and protects citizens' fundamental rights through the courts.
