Cláudio Coimbra, 26, and his brother, 23, are accused of co-authorship in a crime of serious bodily harm for allegedly punching and then kicking a National Republican Guard (GNR) officer, who was off duty, in the head while on the ground, according to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident reportedly took place at 4 a.m. on November 12, 2021, inside a nightclub at Cais de Sodré, Lisbon.
During the closing arguments of the trial that began today in Lisbon, the prosecutor maintained that it was proven Cláudio Coimbra delivered the punch that knocked down the GNR officer, although it was not determined who kicked him on the ground.
José Manuel Figueiredo based his conviction on the testimony of one of the victim’s friends who was at the nightclub and identified the older suspect as the one who punched.
Cláudio Coimbra’s lawyer downplayed the identification, emphasizing that the witness only recognized the ex-marine after seeing him on TV following the 2022 murder of officer Fábio Guerra.
“It’s obvious that it’s easy to point out,” stated Bruno dos Santos Pereira.
The legal representative of the assaulted officer also argued that “at least” Cláudio Coimbra should be convicted for the punch he is accused of delivering to Gonçalo Brandão, 29, who is currently on unlimited leave (unpaid).
“The fact is, none of the witnesses could say who delivered the kicks.” emphasized Rita Mota Ferreira.
Regarding the second defendant, Artur Coimbra, both the prosecution and the defense – represented by Vanessa Carvalho – unanimously called for an acquittal.
At the end of the closing arguments, Cláudio Coimbra, who remained silent during the trial, asked to speak to deny the alleged assaults.
His brother, Artur Coimbra, did not attend the trial and was fined 204 euros by the judge.
The verdict is scheduled to be delivered on September 17 at 9:00 a.m. in the Lisbon Criminal Court.
The family of Fábio Guerra, who was beaten to death at the age of 26 by Cláudio Coimbra and another ex-marine, Vadym Hrinko, attended today at the Campus of Justice in Lisbon.
The two former soldiers are serving sentences of 17 and 20 years in prison.
