Justice Minister defends PJ director after prosecutors' searches at police force
Rita Alarcão Júdice reaffirmed "full confidence" in the PJ following searches by prosecutors linked to allegations against director Carlos Cabreiro.
Alarcão Júdice maintains confidence in PJ director following prosecutors' searches
Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice declared on Thursday, 24 September, that she maintains confidence in Carlos Cabreiro, the national director of the Judicial Police (PJ), according to dn.pt. The statement came a day after the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) carried out searches at that police force's facilities.
When questioned by RTP, the minister responded through a statement from her office: "The proceedings carried out yesterday do not affect confidence in the National Director of the Judicial Police." The statement added that Alarcão Júdice "absolutely respects the autonomy of the Public Prosecutor's Office and the proper functioning of institutions."
The minister stressed the solidity of the institution, describing the PJ as "a strong house, built upon rock, which deserves the confidence of the State and citizens", with "a history of competence spanning more than 80 years".
On Wednesday, 23, the MP conducted searches at the Prevention and Technical Support Unit of the PJ, later expanded to the national headquarters, according to Lusa news agency. The proceedings stem from allegations against Cabreiro in the context of the Football Leaks case.
PJ coordinator David Freitas alleged that Cabreiro lied in court when stating that no surveillance operations were carried out in the field — a fact which forms the basis of the suspicion of false statements and abuse of power that prompted the MP's inquiry.
Source: Público