Justice system news in Portugal

Minister of Justice Rita Alarcão Júdice is reviewing the decision to terminate the Special Security Programme for whistleblower Rui Pinto. The protection is currently set to end on October 10, and Júdice has promised a response before that date. Pinto has expressed concerns for his safety and has reportedly moved to an undisclosed location.

Update: Justice Minister faces pressure over Rui Pinto protection

Minister of Justice Rita Alarcão Júdice confirmed she is carefully analyzing appeals to reverse the termination of Rui Pinto's security program. The decision has drawn criticism from the Frente Cívica, which characterized the move as potentially retaliatory, while the political party Juntos Pelo Povo (JPP) has formally requested urgent explanations from the government.

Demonstrators gathered in Lisbon and Porto this Saturday to protest the judicial system's treatment of child abuse and domestic violence victims. Organized by the Women's Movement, participants criticized the systematic devaluation of abuse reports and the practice of mandating contact between child victims and their alleged abusers in civil guardianship cases.

Minister of Justice Rita Alardão Júdice has rejected claims of lying and collusion following accusations from the Chega party regarding the destruction of chemicals during the tenure of Judiciary Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) director Luís Neves. André Ventura, leader of Chega, has demanded an urgent parliamentary hearing to investigate the matter, while the ministry maintains it is investigating the case in detail.

Starting September 1st, judges will have the authority to impose fines of up to 10,200 euros on parties who engage in acts intended to delay legal proceedings. This measure, published in the official gazette (Diário da República), aims to streamline the justice system.

The Ministry of Justice (Ministério da Justiça or MJ) has announced a 42-million-euro investment to modernize prisons and educational centers through the Justice Modernization Fund (Fundo de Modernização da Justiça or FMJ). This initiative, which runs until 2029, includes funding to facilitate the closure of the Lisbon Prison (Estabelecimento Prisional de Lisboa or EPL).

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.

The Superior Council of Administrative and Tax Courts (Conselho Superior dos Tribunais Administrativos e Fiscais or CSTAF) has formally refuted claims made by former Prime Minister José Sócrates regarding the scheduling of his lawsuit against the State. The judicial body denied allegations that the court's timing was influenced by fear of the European Court of Human Rights. The case is set to proceed in May.

Three former inspectors of the Foreigners and Borders Service (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras or SEF) convicted for the murder of Ihor Homeniuk were released on parole in late March. The decision was confirmed by the Execution of Sentences Court (Tribunal de Execução de Penas or TEP) following their initial nine-year prison sentences.

A proposed change to the Code of Criminal Procedure would allow judges to order financial sanctions on lawyers whose actions are judged 'manifestly unfounded', with fines ranging from €204 to €10,200 and a 50% surcharge if unpaid after ten days. Critics say the measure could limit access to justice by deterring lawyers from representing clients in difficult cases and could impose unaffordable costs on defendants. The debate highlights tensions between procedural discipline and legal defence rights under the reform. Those involved in criminal cases should follow developments and consult legal counsel about potential impacts.