The defense teams in a trial involving significant procedural allegations now have 10 days to respond to a series of factual changes presented. José António Barreiros, representing former Civil Protection President Carlos Mourato Nunes, acknowledged that these changes might necessitate the introduction of new evidence, potentially reopening the trial.
The judge’s amendments implicate several defendants, including former Secretary of State for Civil Protection José Artur Neves and former National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority (ANEPC) President Carlos Mourato Nunes, involving them in various factual practices.
The judge also highlighted the lack of qualification by the company Foxtrot for providing smoke-protection collars.
José António Barreiros, upon exiting the session that lasted just 20 minutes, expressed surprise at the developments: “I am particularly surprised by the high number, as it’s uncommon to see a case with such a significant number of non-substantial changes.”
The attorney suggested that the changes arose because the panel of judges believed there was material beyond the indictment that needed to be considered for a decision.
When asked if these changes might indicate potential convictions, Barreiros remained cautious, stating: “We shall see.”
The next 10 days are crucial for assessing these changes, determining whether to revisit existing evidence or produce new evidence. If new evidence is necessary, the trial hearing must be reopened, which would prevent the verdict scheduled for November 14 from being delivered, extending the proceedings. However, Barreiros finds the potential delay inconsequential, saying: “More time won’t make a difference, given the delays so far.”
José Artur Neves was absent from today’s session at the Central Criminal Court in Lisbon.
This case revolves around alleged crimes of subsidy fraud, economic participation in a business, and abuse of power related to public contracting and procurement of self-protection collars under the “Safe Village — Safe People” program, initiated after the 2017 wildfires.
In the closing arguments, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP), represented by prosecutor Angelina Freitas, recommended prison sentences for all defendants, suggesting these could be close to minimum limits and potentially suspended.
During the preliminary phase, the MP admitted insufficient evidence to substantiate charges and convict José Artur Neves, a primary defendant. Despite this, the judge ordered all defendants to stand trial in a decision set for January 2024.
Among the 19 defendants (14 individuals and five companies) are José Artur Neves and General Carlos Mourato Nunes. The MP revealed the indictment in July 2022, following an investigation into “criminally relevant illegalities in several public procurement processes” under the “Safe Village — Safe People” program, co-financed by the Cohesion Fund, which reportedly caused a state loss of 364,980 euros, allegedly misappropriated by the defendants.
[Updated at 3:48 PM]
