During remarks to journalists in Braga at the awarding session of an honorary doctorate to the President of the Republic of East Timor, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa stated that any doubts regarding the justice system should be calmly resolved by the top judicial bodies.
“I am one of those who believe that politicians should not be asked to intervene in the realm of justice, as this breaks the separation of powers. However, I also believe that in the face of doubts that arise, and which are not easy to understand, regarding the relationship between the judiciary, this should be calmly considered and reflected upon by the top judicial bodies,” he stated.
When asked about the case of Judge Ivo Rosa, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa refrained from commenting on specifics, choosing instead to speak generally.
“I did not want to specifically address a case. What I wanted was for the Superior Council for the Judiciary and the Superior Council of the Public Prosecutor’s Office to look into cases that may cast doubt on the image of justice in the relationship between and within judicial bodies,” he emphasized.
Reports indicate that Ivo Rosa was subject to a criminal process during his tenure as an investigating judge at the Criminal Instruction Court, based on an anonymous denunciation received by the Central Department of Investigation and Penal Action (DCIAP) and the Judicial Police (PJ), which involved accessing the judge’s billing, mobile location, and bank accounts.
Ivo Rosa was the investigating judge in the Marquês case involving former Prime Minister José Sócrates.
