The Transparency and Statute of Deputies Commission intends to permit André Ventura to appear in person as a defendant before the Lisbon Judicial Court, a decision expected to pass unanimously at Friday’s plenary session.
André Ventura, involved in multiple legal proceedings, has consistently agreed to the lifting of his parliamentary immunity to appear in court.
The controversy surrounds campaign posters from presidential candidate and Chega leader André Ventura displaying the messages “This is not Bangladesh” and “Gypsies must obey the law.”
On November 10, six individuals filed a personality protection lawsuit against Ventura, demanding the removal of these posters referencing the Roma community within 24 hours.
The following day, the Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into the Chega posters, prompted by numerous complaints concerning the Bangladesh and Roma community references.
In late October, eight Roma associations declared their intention to file a complaint with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against the posters and considered pursuing a preliminary injunction.
Simultaneously, SOS Racismo filed a criminal complaint with the Lisbon Public Prosecutor’s Office against André Ventura and other Chega deputies for discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence. The Commission for Equality and Against Racial Discrimination also relayed three reports related to this issue to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In addition, the Public Prosecutor recently requested the lifting of André Ventura’s parliamentary immunity to question him as a defendant related to defamation allegations involving former PSD deputy Joaquim Pinto Moreira.
These allegations stem from Ventura’s March interview with SIC, where he allegedly accused Pinto Moreira of accepting money for construction projects and exchanging works for gifts.
Former PSD deputy vice-president accuses presidential candidate Ventura of making these statements “with a clear intent to damage honor.”
Pinto Moreira, disputing these claims, argues Ventura acted deliberately to “attribute corrupt acts” and “publicize them,” thus seriously harming his honor and reputation.
Chega’s press office stated that Ventura will not impede the lifting of his immunity, subject to review by the Transparency and Statute of Deputies Commission and a subsequent plenary vote.
Joaquim Pinto Moreira is implicated in the Vortex case, facing charges of two counts of aggravated passive corruption, influence trafficking, and violation of urban planning regulations by an official.
