Five judges confirm evidence of corruption in Madeira case

In a first reaction to the controversial decision of Judge Jorge Bernardes de Melo, who found there was no evidence of any crime and released the three accused, the Office of the Prosecutor General (PGR), led by Lucília Gago, defended the investigation with all its might. . “It is important to highlight that at previous points five different investigating judges made decisions in the trial based on the belief that there were already indications of the alleged criminal offenses.”

Pedro Calado, the former mayor of Funchal, and businessmen Avelino Fariña and Custodio Correia were detained for 21 days until a judge ordered enforcement measures.

In a statement sent out this Friday to the newsroom, Lucília Gago points the finger at the judge. “The prosecutors have repeatedly and with the means at their disposal sought to draw the attention of the judicial magistrate who led them to the unusual delay recorded and to the need to give them greater speed, even giving instructions on the 1st February, exhibition to the High Council of Justice.” The mega-operation on January 24, which led to the arrest of three accused and the collection of more than half a ton of digital materials, was “considered” not only by three magistrates, but also by the director of the SBU. DCIAP itself. “The evidence collected to date consistently and consistently points to the commission of a number of illegal acts.”

The Ministry of Justice has already announced that it will appeal the decision of the investigating judge to the Lisbon Court of Appeal.

Political decision announced this Saturday
The solution to the political crisis in Madeira was announced this Saturday by the representative of the republic in the archipelago. The decision will be made public by Ireneu Barreto, who met with Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in Belem this Friday. Miguel Albuquerque may continue as president.