The suspect in the murder of Mónica Silva, known as the pregnant woman from Murtosa, has arrived at the Aveiro Court, where his closed-door trial begins on Monday.
Upon his arrival at the court, 37-year-old Fernando Valente was met with jeers from a crowd. Voices of “Murderer” and “Tell the truth” were heard from the angered public in footage broadcast by various television channels.
At least the first session of the trial will take place behind closed doors, following a request from Fernando Valente’s lawyer, a decision that has sparked significant controversy.
The family’s lawyer opposed this decision, although the appellate court is yet to issue its opinion.
The trial commences a year and a half after the disappearance of 33-year-old Mónica Silva.
As requested by the Public Prosecutor, Fernando Valente will be judged by a jury court, consisting of three judges and four jurors. The suspect faces the maximum penalty, 25 years in prison, on charges including qualified homicide, desecration of a corpse, and aggravated abortion.
[News Update in Progress]
