The prosecutor’s office is investigating the dissemination of false information by the leader of “Chegi” in social networks

The Attorney General’s Office (PGR) confirmed on Monday that it is investigating the spread of false news by Chega leader Andre Ventura on social media using graphics similar to those used in the media.

“The receipt of a complaint related to the mentioned issue is confirmed. This gave rise to an investigation at the DIAP in Lisbon, the purpose of which is to collect elements and determine the factual and legal circumstances on this matter,” a PGR official said, in response to Lusa.

It is about the disclosure of alleged news by André Ventura on his page on the social network X (formerly Twitter) using images that have graphics similar to those on the “websites” of Rádio Renascença and the newspaper Público.

Last week, sources from the Renascença group and the newspaper Público told Lusa that they were the target of false news spread by André Ventura on social media, and this Monday, the Social Communications Regulatory Authority (ERC) said that he had received a report on this topic.

Asked about it at a press conference, Chegi’s president said on Monday that the party had acted “within the law” regarding the accusation of exposing disinformation on its social media, denying that it had committed any “wrongful act.”

“We are absolutely aware that we acted within the law and that the law is on our side. We will await the decision of the ERC on this issue with complete calm,” he defended, repeating: “We will wait for the ERC to make a decision, when the ERC makes a decision, we will be here to comment on it. At the moment, our lawyers tell us that we are fully protected by the law, Chega did not commit any illegal actions.”

Ventura denied that it was fake news, pointing out that “they were from the Folha Nacional”, a newspaper created by the party and created by Chega employees and leaders.

The Chega leader claimed that this edition “now consists of three drawings with three sections”, despite the fact that there are no images on the Folha Nacional website like the one posted by André Ventura and on the party’s social media.

Some images published by Ventura are signed “redação” while on the party newspaper’s website they usually have “Folha Nacional” in the caption, and none of these publications has an associated link to the original article.

As for the publication under the heading “Thousands of WYD subscribers are missing. Illegal Immigration, Expert Says” that appeared on Andre Ventura’s page with renaissance-like graphics, is not on the radio’s website and cannot be found in a general internet search.