Government: Court case news in Portugal

Judge keeps José Sócrates' court-appointed lawyer in office until a new defender is appointed

Renata Cambra requests urgency from the court

Lisbon City Council claims that Renata Cambra does not have the legal standing to request collective protection. The municipality also argues that a court ruling in Cambra's favour could violate the separation of powers.

The shadows of Duarte Lima and the shadows of another time

In 2009, Rosalina Ribeiro, widow of Tomé Feteira, was found dead near Rio de Janeiro, but only now is the man accused of this crime, Duarte Lima, set to go on trial. A story full of shadows.

Who killed Rosalina? The ignored woman 608

Sixteen years after the homicide, Duarte Lima will go on trial on November 5th at the Sintra court, suspected of committing the crime in Rio de Janeiro.

Drivers confirm in Leiria Court the falsification of reports of lost driver's licenses

The trial involves 28 defendants, with the lawyer and two drivers failing to appear.

Navy personnel accused of violating State secrets acquitted

The three Navy personnel accused of violating State secrets, in the case of the Portuguese Republic Ship (NRP) Mondego, have been acquitted today, with the court describing the Public Prosecutor’s The post Navy personnel accused of violating State secrets acquitted appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Sócrates attempts to halt trial with already rejected arguments

The former Prime Minister previously claimed during the criminal investigation phase and in appeals that he is being tried twice for the same money laundering crimes. The investigating judge and the appellate judges did not find in his favour.

Operação Marquês: José Sócrates says new trial is "the same absurdity"

Former Prime Minister José Sócrates has labelled the money laundering trial beginning this Monday in Lisbon as “absurd,” noting it stems from the 2021 instructional decision of the Operação Marquês case. The charges involve the alleged use of bank accounts belonging to businessman Carlos Santos Silva, his wife, and Sócrates' chauffeur between 2011 and 2014 to funnel illicit funds to the former Prime Minister. Prosecutors claim Santos Silva acted as a straw man to conceal bribes intended to benefit the Lena Group, the Espírito Santo Group, and the Vale do Lobo luxury development. Sócrates argues that the court is initiating a redundant trial on facts already under discussion in the main Operação Marquês case, which has been ongoing since July 2025. He contends that being forced to defend himself simultaneously in two different courts against overlapping factual matters is a breach of due process and a personal burden. Both Sócrates and Santos Silva, who deny the allegations, will be judged by a collective of three judges until at least April 2027.

José Sócrates says the new Operação Marquês trial is "the same absurdity"

At issue is the alleged use by the defendants, between 2011 and 2014, of bank accounts belonging to a company controlled by businessman Carlos Santos Silva.

Court acquits former mayor of Elvas of misconduct in public office

The verdict, read in summary, stresses that the facts alleged by the Public Prosecutor's Office against defendants Nuno Mocinha and the former director of the Finance and Development Department of Elvas City Council, Paulo Dias, who was also acquitted, were not proven.

Manuel Pinho's defence argues again that no corruption crime was committed

The 10-year prison sentence was confirmed in April 2025 by the Lisbon Court of Appeal, which prompted the appeal filed with the Supreme Court of Justice.

Aida Freitas. Decision is a "victory and could lead to acquittal"

The judge decided to postpone the reading of the verdict. Luís Rosa, lead editor at Observador, speaks of a “turnaround” in the case, with new documents that could call into question the actions of the Judicial Police.

"We are not house guests. I have nothing against him": Mário Lino and Teixeira dos Santos describe their relationship with Sócrates in court

In addition to their relationships with José Sócrates, those questioned were also asked about other names involved in the case, such as Armando Vara or Carlos Santos Silva

"I am aware that I have a tendency towards arrogance": Sócrates on calls with Santos Silva

The former prime minister returns to court after requesting to be heard in the context of Operation Marquês.

Former president of Santo Tirso denies holiday in Australia

The trial began this Tuesday in Porto. Joaquim Couto guaranteed that what he is being tried for 'is not correct' and 'did not bring added costs to the city council'.

"Absolutely scandalous": Sócrates says upon arriving at court that the judge "insists" on assigning him a lawyer

José Sócrates is at the Campus de Justiça this Tuesday for another session of Operation Marquês.

Sócrates faces new trial for money laundering

Sessions will start on October 19th. The presiding judge has only four years of experience.

Second kidnapping victim to testify in the absence of officers accused of killing compatriot in Olhão

The defendants, who are suspended from duty, are accused of two counts of aggravated kidnapping and one count of qualified homicide, with the events dating back to March 2024.

11am Case in Rato. Trial held behind closed doors to "protect the dignity of the victims"

The trial regarding the case in Rato is being conducted in private to ensure the protection and dignity of the victims involved.

Torture at the Rato police station: court justifies closed-door hearings to protect the "dignity and privacy of the victims"

The trial of the two PSP officers accused of torturing several citizens at the Rato police station began this Friday at the Campus da Justiça. Only the reading of the verdict will be public.

Unlikely praise, high-speed rail and Paris. The return of Sócrates

In four and a half hours of testimony, the former official reinforced arguments regarding the Paris house, the high-speed rail project and the houses in Venezuela, but spoke little about other aspects, such as the money trails.

Sentencing for the Mayor of Valongo postponed

The postponement stems from the presentation of an order regarding a non-substantial change to the facts. After being read by both parties, the defence requested time to analyse it.

Sócrates guarantees he has nothing to do with the "resignation spectacle" of lawyers

The former prime minister returned to the court that is trying him after a year. In the ninth session in which he spoke, he once again accused one of the prosecutors, describing him as a coward.

Sócrates returns to court in Operation Marquês on the offensive: “A State that behaves like this is a cowardly State”

The main defendant returned to court to resume the “initial statements” he had interrupted a year ago. The money transfers were once again left out, and Sócrates took the opportunity to attack the Public Prosecutor's Office, the court, and the “delusional” people who hold him responsible for the succession of lawyer resignations.

Current and former mayors of Valongo learn of court decision

Paulo Esteves and José Manuel Ribeiro were accused of abuse of power after they banned truck traffic on Municipal Road 606 leading to the Sobrado landfill in 2020.

Suspects in animal abuse case in Santo Tirso acquitted

The case involved crimes of animal cruelty, abandonment, and abuse of power affecting over 230 pets. Inês Sousa Real states that the acquittal is a “profound injustice and cause for outrage.”