Marquês judge decides Sócrates can be ‘assistant’ in EDP corruption case

Judge Ivo Rosa, the man who will decide whether or not former prime minister José Sócrates stands trial on allegations of corruption, tax evasion and money-laundering has caused ructions within the Public Ministry by accepting Mr Sócrates as a ‘witness’ in the corruption case involving EDP (click here). The Public Ministry contend Mr Sócrates’ only interest is in getting ‘early’ access to the evidence which refers to business done on his watch. When it comes to journalists wanting to be witnesses, Judge Rosa has already shown his opinions – ruling against them in the Marquês case, only to find that decision overturned on appeal. It is unclear in this instance whether the Public Ministry will appeal, particularly as this case is getting perilously close to running out of time to be heard by the courts.