José Sócrates Accuses State of Manipulation as Marquês Trial Date Set for July 3rd

Trial Date Announced

The presiding judge, Susana Seca, has officially set the date for the start of the Marquês trial on July 3rd. The sessions will occur three days a week but will be paused during the summer judicial recess from July 16th to August 31st. José Sócrates, the former Prime Minister, is the principal defendant among 22 accused and faces serious charges including three counts of corruption, 13 counts of money laundering, and six counts of fraud.

Defense's Absence

Interestingly, the defense team for José Sócrates was absent during the scheduling of the trial dates, as they argue that a trial should not proceed.

Accusations and Claims

In a press statement prior to this judicial decision, Sócrates reiterated his claims against the Portuguese state, alleging manipulation throughout the Marquês process, which he states has now reached its third accusation in 12 years. He emphasizes that there is neither accusation nor pronouncement, asserting that this invalidates the possibility of a trial.

Ongoing Legal Issues

Socrates further criticized a January 2024 ruling from the Lisbon Court of Appeal, which he claims fabricated a clerical error in the accusation, thereby altering the crime and intensifying the penalties to keep the case alive. He states, "Everything prohibited by the code was executed by the judges."

Allegations of Abuse

He describes the Marquês process as characterized by abuse, arbitrariness, and violence, alleging that the Portuguese state has manipulated the distribution of the case and rigged the selection of the investigating judge. According to Sócrates, the true legacy of the Marquês process over these twelve years is one of abuse and violence inflicted by the state.