Former economy minister’s lawyer lambasts “attempt to break dignity” of trouble-beset client

Former economy minister Manuel Pinho has suffered further trials this week, following the snatching back of his recently restored €26,000 per month pension. Authorities swooped on the Braga property where he is under house arrest on an electronic bracelet, seizing 300 bottles of wine, valuable art work, a set of golf clubs – and a pinball machine. Lawyer Ricardo Sá Fernandes has criticised this latest episode as “an attempt to break the dignity” of his trouble-beset client. Mr Pinho has been charged with two counts of passive corruption for illicit actions while holding public office, and money-laundering. Say reports it is believed “the product of the (alleged) crimes total five million euros”.