They refuse to give up. News that investigation into the tragedy at Meco beach has been archived will not stop the families of the six students who died from demanding justice. They are due to meet with their lawyer Vítor Ribeiro on Sunday and formulate a strategy.
Number one on their list is to get the investigation reopened. It will be an uphill struggle, as the Public Ministry has stolidly stuck to the official line that the multiple drownings were accidental.
“Destiny”, it said, was the only reason for one of those on the beach from escaping with his life.
João Miguel Gouveia, known as Dux, was the leader of the group’s COPA – a kind of pranks’ organisation.
The parents believe their children died as a result of a prank that went horribly wrong. Dux has always denied this – and the Public Ministry has accepted his story, concluding “there are no indications whatsoever” to back up the parents’ complaints, or suspicions.
“It is an outrage,” António Soares told news media as the families heard the investigation had ended.
“We will not give up,” stressed lawyer Ribeiro. “The parents remain united, and we will be meeting on Sunday.”
