“It is crucial to understand that this is an extremely serious case. It is often said, and it is absolutely true, no one is above the law and even the Prime Minister can be investigated. This is not in question; however, the Justice system is also not above the law, and those wiretaps were conducted without the required authorization of a court, in this case, the Supreme Court of Justice,” emphasized the candidate.
During a campaign event held late in the morning at the Benfica Market, the candidate supported by the Left Bloc (BE) reiterated the notion that no one is above the law, which is why “neither the Public Ministry nor the Justice system can be” at that level.
“I believe this is an extremely serious issue from the perspective of the rule of law because when Justice does not enforce Justice, it creates absolute insecurity. This is not about António Costa; it concerns all citizens of this country knowing that Justice may operate outside the law. A profound discussion is needed in this country, and I hope that, firstly, the appropriate bodies responsible for overseeing the actions of Justice will promptly act and provide explanations to the nation. This is truly a rule of law problem, nothing less,” stressed the former MEP.
Catarina Martins, on the other hand, argued for a reform in the Justice sector, “something that has been talked about for a long time,” emphasizing the equally necessary “oversight of the actions of Justice and a more effective democratic explanation of its actions because cases like these cannot happen.”
“There is a need for a major change in the Justice system, ensuring everyone’s access to Justice, as we live in Portugal under a regime where, in truth, there is Justice for those who can afford it and a lack of Justice for those who cannot, for those who do not have the money to go to court,” she reasoned.
When asked if the Public Ministry has been allowed to influence Portuguese politics in recent years, Catarina Martins recalled that there have been “recurring problems,” highlighting the example of leaks of judicial secrecy, “which show how it can be manipulated and often came directly from Justice.”
“This is a problem because people are condemned in the public eye without having the right to defend themselves. Then there are matters that should be investigated and are never pursued. Therefore, yes, we have a problem with the Justice system. I believe the issue with Justice can be resolved by demanding a more democratic Justice system, more democratic in the transparency of its procedures and in access to Justice, because Justice cannot be for those who can and cannot be for those who cannot,” she added.
