This Friday, the son-in-law of Marco “Orelhas” guaranteed that he was not involved in the attacks that led to the death of Igor Silva. Paulo Cardoso, who is in pre-trial detention on suspicion of involvement in a crime, told the court that he tried to help the young man when he went to the Dragao stadium in Porto, but he could not do anything. He said he was still “disturbed” by memories of the victim lying on the floor with his coat open and “all cut up.” “What they did was just surreal,” he said. “I tried to help him [o Igor]but I couldn’t!” he assured.
The defendant cried in court
Paulo Cardoso, also known as “Chanfra”, testified for the first time in the case in the São João Novo court in Porto. The defendant became emotional during his testimony when he recalled the day of the crime.
“Cianfra” said he knew Igor Silva only by sight, but was aware of the disagreements between the young man and his family. Early on the morning of May 8, while Porto fans were celebrating the title, he went to the Estadio. do Dragao after being informed that his wife and daughter had been victims of attacks.
“I do not know what [Marco e o filho] they were going to do it. I was just looking for my daughter. Let it be clear at this trial that I knew Igor only by name,” Paulo said.
At the scene, he noticed the device and found Igor on the floor with several stab wounds to his torso. As he got closer, he pushed the crowd away and asked to call an ambulance. According to him, at that moment, due to panic, he began to vomit.
“I saw a child with his coat open and all cut up, and I tried to help him,” he said. “No one has the right to take someone’s life. More hits, less hits, more hits, less hits is one thing. No more. I’m really sorry. What they did to the boy is surreal,” he explained.
Judge points out contradictions
The judge pointed out contradictions in the testimony of the defendant, who during the first interrogation stated that he attacked Igor that night. Paulo substantiated his statement by stating that a previous lawyer advised him to say this and that since he was not feeling well psychologically, he eventually did what was recommended.
“I also didn’t understand the defense he made for me. I wasn’t feeling well at the time and was taking medication. I really don’t know what I was going to say,” he said. The judge replied: “Mr. Paulo, find a better excuse.”
According to the judge, none of the accused has yet had the courage to speak honestly about what really happened that night.
“If they had the honesty to come here and tell us something logical and coherent, but no. It looks like they are attacking our intelligence,” he said.
“Don’t make mistakes”
Diogo Meireles, known as “Sio”, also had the opportunity to appear in court again. In a preliminary report on the young man’s death, he expressed anger that Marco “Orelhas” and his son did not tell the truth about the day of the attack on Igor.
“I’m angry about it because they won’t admit the mistake they made. They don’t think about my children, my parents. They put us all under control. I thought they were my friends, but Renato is not. Don’t be my friend. I ask this court not to convict me, I am innocent,” he said.
Igor was killed with 18 stab wounds
This Friday, the ninth hearing of the court in the case of the murder of Igor Silva took place. A Blaugrana fan was stabbed 18 times during Porto’s 2022 title celebrations at the Dragao Stadium.
Marco “Orellas”, Renato Goncalves (Marco’s son), Paulo Cardoso and Diogo “Scio” are in pre-trial detention. Three defendants are still at large: Sergio Machado, Rui Costa and Miguel Pereira.
The final hearing in the case is scheduled for March 21.