The Public Prosecution Service (PPS) has reopened the investigation into allegations of domestic violence committed by the mayor of Vizela, Victor Hugo Salgado, against his wife, announced the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) today.
“It is confirmed that the inquiry has been reopened for further investigative actions,” stated the AGO in a written response sent to the Lusa news agency.
The inquiry into alleged domestic violence involving Victor Hugo Salgado, the current mayor of Vizela in the Braga district and former president of the PS District Federation of Braga, was previously closed in May. This closure followed the alleged victim, his wife, refusing to provide statements to prosecutors and withdrawing her complaint.
The process concluded without Victor Hugo Salgado being made a formal suspect or questioned.
Lusa made attempts today to contact the mayor of Vizela for his reaction to the reopening of the inquiry, but Victor Hugo Salgado did not answer calls or respond to messages.
After the decision to archive the inquiry, the Attorney General admitted that the process was still within the timeframe “for hierarchical intervention” and could potentially be reopened.
“Senior officials are reviewing the archiving order, and within the period for hierarchical intervention, which is 20 days from the order and its notification, they have the opportunity to decide on this, including ordering further investigations they deem necessary,” said Amadeu Guerra on May 23.
Following this investigation, the national PS withdrew support for Victor Hugo Salgado’s re-election bid, and he resigned as president of the PS District Federation of Braga.
In opposition to the national PS’s decision, the Vizela municipal committee of the party decided not to present a candidate for the next municipal elections, expressing support for Victor Hugo Salgado’s independent re-election bid.
