President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa suggested greater judicial reflection when questioned about the Public Prosecutor’s Office’s investigation into Judge Ivo Rosa. He expressed surprise that no other judge was called to participate, wondering why a judge did not sign off on such intrusive measures, as they significantly impact personal lives.
The President emphasized that this should not be seen merely as a dichotomy between the Public Prosecutor’s Office and the judicial magistracy, but as justice as a whole. He noted that while the Public Prosecutor’s Office investigates, judges’ involvement is crucial for authorizing certain measures.
Discussing the case, Rebelo de Sousa stressed the need for the judiciary to internally reflect on its practices rather than urging political intervention, which could undermine the separation of powers.
He highlighted two appropriate bodies for judicial reflection: the Superior Council of the Judiciary, responsible for evaluating judges’ activities, and the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
According to reports, Ivo Rosa faced a criminal process while serving as an examining magistrate at the Criminal Investigative Court. This investigation, based on an anonymous complaint, was led by the Central Department of Criminal Investigation and Prosecution (DCIAP) and the Judicial Police, involving access to Rosa’s billing, mobile location, and bank accounts.
