Former Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) parliamentary leader Duarte Lima went on trial at the Sintra Court (Tribunal de Sintra) for the 2009 murder of Rosalina Ribeiro. His defense team argued at the opening hearing that the statute of limitations (prescrição) has expired, 17 years after Ribeiro was shot dead in Brazil. Lima denies charges that he killed Ribeiro, a former client and business associate connected to the estate of late Portuguese banker Lúcio Tomé Feteira.
Former PSD Deputy Duarte Lima Goes on Trial for Murder
Thursday, 5 November 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Social Democratic Party ('Partido Social Democrata' or 'PSD') is a liberal-conservative political party in Portugal that is the leading partner of the The Democratic Alliance (AD) which is the country's ruling party, with Prime Minister Luís Montenegro.
The Social Democratic Party, despite its name, occupies the centre-right of Portugal's political spectrum. Luís Montenegro, who became Prime Minister in April 2024, leads Portugal's current minority government. The PSD has been one of Portugal's two dominant parties since 1974, having formed nine governments including four with absolute majorities. Montenegro, a former party leader from 1996-1999, was elected with the highest approval rating among party leaders at 10.7 points out of 20.
The Democratic Alliance is a centre-right coalition that includes the smaller CDS – People's Party, a Christian democratic party that has historically been the PSD's coalition partner. Together, they govern without a parliamentary majority, requiring case-by-case support from opposition parties to pass legislation.
3 sources
- Duarte Lima stands trial for murder. Defence claims crime has expiredpublico.pt ·
- Former PSD deputy Duarte Lima to stand trial today for the murder of Rosalina Ribeirocmjornal.pt ·
- From the start of the Duarte Lima murder trial to Montenegro's meeting with Carneiro and Ventura: these are 'the 5 news stories' to watch todaycnnportugal.iol.pt ·
