Rui Pinto Keeps Protection After Justice Ministry Reverses Decision

Portugal's Justice Ministry restored Rui Pinto's special security protection after the decision to end his protected witness status was overturned, following concerns about procedure and his right to respond before the measure was applied.

The Commission for Special Security Programs CPES had decided to end the program, which had covered Pinto since August 2020 after he agreed to cooperate with authorities. The decision was communicated on September 30, despite being made earlier.

Rui Pinto, creator of Football Leaks, said on social media that he welcomed Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice's intervention and criticized the commission's conduct. His protection had included secure housing, police protection, identification documents, transport support and a subsistence allowance.

"I welcome the intervention of the Justice Minister, Rita Alarcão Júdice, who restored legality by annulling a decision made by the members of the commission responsible for the Witness Protection Program, who acted in clear violation of the law and in a clear abuse of power," said Rui Pinto.

Rui Pinto said he no longer trusted the commission members after the initial decision. He had been protected as a witness for six years while cooperating with investigations connected to information leaks.

"Despite this restoration of legality, the way the commission members acted prevents me from placing any trust in them and from feeling the necessary security in their work," said Rui Pinto.

He added that witness protection programs depend on legal compliance and confidence from those who rely on them.

"A situation of this nature is clearly contrary to the spirit that should guide a witness protection program, whose credibility and effectiveness depend above all on respect for the law, impartiality and the trust of those who depend on it," said Rui Pinto.

Legal experts and civic groups also challenged the original decision. The Frente Cívica questioned whether removing protection without hearing Pinto first complied with legal requirements.

"The removal of Rui Pinto's Special Security Program violates legal rules and the most basic requirements of prudence and consideration," said the Frente Cívica.

The organization highlighted Pinto's role in disclosures including Football Leaks, Luanda Leaks and Malta Files, which it said exposed suspected wrongdoing involving powerful figures and institutions.

"These revelations not only exposed suspicions of illegality and misconduct by powerful actors in Portugal and abroad, from football, Angolan oligarchy, the economy and finance, but also exposed the complicity or complacency of political and regulatory authorities in several countries," said the Frente Cívica.

The CPES had based its decision on a risk reassessment and stated that the witness had not shown sufficient commitment to the program. The commission will now reassess the case after procedural corrections.

"The closure of the Special Security Program for which the protected witness Rui Pedro Gonçalves Pinto was a beneficiary was determined," stated the CPES decision.

The same decision cited concerns about Pinto's participation in the program and a police risk assessment that concluded there was a low level of risk.

"The lack of commitment of the witness in complying with the program in which he was included and the risk reassessment report prepared by the PSP, which concludes that there is a low level of risk," stated the CPES.