The Attorney General's Office has confirmed the opening of an investigation targeting Chega's leader, André Ventura, and deputy Rita Matias. This follows their reproduction of a list of preschool children's names in Parliament and on social media, sparking widespread controversy.
André Ventura has responded, stating his respect for the investigation's initiation but expressing confidence in its eventual dismissal. He frames the issue as one of "political freedom", asserting that similar past cases were deemed within the bounds of freedom of expression.
Ventura criticized the justice system for focusing on parliamentary debates instead of more severe crimes like rape, corruption, and money laundering. He suspects the inquiry was prompted by complaints from civic associations, warning against the criminalization of politicians for their statements.
The controversy began when Ventura publicly named immigrant children during a debate on nationality law amendments, claiming they were "zero Portuguese" and unfairly prioritized over Portuguese minors. Rita Matias also shared these names online, later admitting she hadn't verified their accuracy.
The National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) has launched its own probe into the disclosure of minors' names. Ventura dismissed this as persecution and a waste of time.
Left-wing parties condemned Ventura's actions, accusing Parliament's leadership of failing to protect children's rights. However, the Assembly of the Republic's president defended it as a matter of freedom of expression, albeit unpopular.
The Education Minister criticized Chega's actions, praising diversity as a sign of national growth.
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