Latest news and stories about police conduct in Sintra, Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Public Prosecutor has appealed the suspended sentence of the PSP officer involved in the fatal shooting of Odair Moniz, arguing that the act was intentional and warrants imprisonment and dismissal from the force.
The trial concerning the death of Odaír Moniz reaches its final phase at the Sintra Court, with closing arguments set to commence following the testimony of a final PJ inspector.
The Public Prosecution Service is pushing for an effective prison sentence and the dismissal from the Public Security Police (PSP) of officer Bruno Pinto, who has already returned to duty. This is detailed in the appeal filed regarding the case of Odair Moniz, a resident of Cova da Moura killed during a police operation in 2024. According to Expresso, prosecutor Pedro Pereira argues that the officer acted with 'direct intent' to kill the victim, completely rejecting the claim of self-defence. In June, the Sintra Court sentenced Bruno Pinto to a three-and-a-half-year suspended prison sentence and allowed him to return to his duties. The prosecutor argues that the officer's actions demonstrate a grave abuse of his position and that someone unable to control their impulses in such a demanding profession cannot maintain the trust required of a PSP officer. The appeal will now be reviewed by the Lisbon Court of Appeal.
Eight months after the trial began, the verdict in the case of Odair Moniz, who was killed during a police stop in Cova da Moura, will be delivered. The reading of the judgment is scheduled for 3:30 pm this Monday, June 15, at the Sintra Court. At that time, it will be known whether Public Security Police (PSP) officer Bruno Pinto will be convicted for the death of Odair Moniz. In closing arguments held in May, the Public Prosecutor's Office requested the officer's conviction for homicide, arguing there was no self-defence. Prosecutors stated it should be considered unproven that Moniz was armed with a knife. Judicial Police (PJ) professionals testified that no knife existed, noting that surveillance footage does not show Moniz using one. If convicted, the officer faces a prison sentence of eight to 16 years, and the prosecution has requested he be barred from serving in the police force.
