A request for political asylum in Portugal submitted by a convicted Sao Tome citizen “does not meet the requirements to be analyzed”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MNE) said, denying that a deadline had been set for responding to the applicant. .
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that it has been delivered to the consular section. [em São Tomé] a letter signed by Bruno dos Santos Lima Afonso, the subject of which is “Request for Political Asylum”, but which does not meet the requirements for substantive analysis,” the MNE said in response to questions posed by Lusa at the Portuguese Embassy in Sao Tome.
On Monday, Bruno Afonso, known as “Lucas”, sentenced to 15 years in prison for violently subverting the rule of law and possessing prohibited weapons following the 2022 attack on Sao Tome military barracks, sought political asylum in Portugal for medical treatment, according to according to his lawyer, citing human rights.
Miques João justified Portugal’s request by saying that “it is a country that defends human rights,” that it really knows what justice requires, that it has “friendly relations that allow one to meet people where it is easier to communicate.” and where “the health care system offers a little more reassurance.”
“We now hope that Portugal is well aware that lives are at stake […]. Therefore, I hope that Your Excellency, President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, as a legal scholar, will effectively assess this situation and save Lucas’ life,” said Mikes João.
When asked whether Portugal could grant the requested asylum, the MNP responded that “a formal request for asylum must be made in/or upon arrival in Portugal and will then be assessed by the competent authorities.”
Regarding the statements of the lawyer, who stated that he had received “every guarantee that within five days” they would receive a call from the embassy in Sao Tome to “determine exactly the issue of the asylum he requested and consider the issue of visas” . and much more to expel him from the country,” the Portuguese MNE emphasized that “no commitment was made regarding the deadline for the embassy/consular response.”
“The Sao Tome Embassy has contacted the representative of Mr. Bruno dos Santos Lima Afonso to clarify the status to be requested and possible procedures regarding consular services,” MNE reports.
Bruno Afonso, who has been at large for six months pending a Supreme Court decision to appeal the trial court’s verdict, is the only survivor of four civilians detained at Quartele do Morro in Sao Tome. on the night of November 24 to 25, 2022.
The remaining three attackers, who the court heard acted with the complicity of some military personnel and another man identified as the mastermind of the attack and later arrested, were ill-treated and tortured and eventually died on the premises. military.
“Lucas’ life is in danger due to health reasons. […]. The physician has provided clinical information supporting [seu] health condition, which is very worrying. “Lucas is developing cancer and other diseases that could lead to his death at any time,” his lawyer Mikesh Juan said at a press conference on Tuesday.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
I’m Dave Martin, and I’m an experienced journalist working in the news industry. As a part of my work, I write for 24 News Reporters, covering mostly sports-related topics. With more than 5 years of experience as a journalist, I have written numerous articles on various topics to provide accurate information to readers.