The former mayor of Vila Nova de Gaia, Eduardo Vítor Rodrigues, was acquitted by the court of the crimes of prevarication and embezzlement with which he was charged. The acquittal decision was related to the alleged use of municipal money to buy tickets intended for attending football matches.
The court also decided to acquit the former vice-mayor of the council, Patrocínio Azevedo, and the then secretary of the presidency, who were also indicted as co-authors of the same crimes. The three defendants also faced charges of document forgery.
The Public Prosecutor's Office had filed charges against the three defendants, arguing that they used municipal funds for personal purposes, namely for expenses related to travel to sporting events. Eduardo Vítor Rodrigues's defense always maintained the legality of the expenditures made within the scope of his municipal functions.
With this decision, the criminal proceedings related to this matter are closed, and there is no indication yet of any possible appeal by the Public Prosecutor's Office.
