Former prime minister José Sócrates returned this Thursday to the Central Criminal Court at the Campus da Justiça in Lisbon without a lawyer. The trial is taking place within the scope of the Marquês case, approximately one year after his last appearance. Sócrates told journalists that he has been without legal representation since November 4, 2025, when his lawyer decided to resign from the mandate.
According to his explanation, he was not consulted about the lawyer's decision, merely respecting the lawyer's choice. The former prime minister revealed that he had already appointed Filipe Batista as his new lawyer, but the judge refused to give him time to prepare the defense. Sócrates harshly criticized the magistrate, saying that she "does not want to give anyone any time at all."
Sócrates also expressed indignation over the fact that he has been facing for 12 years what he considers to be "a false corruption accusation," emphasizing that this matter is no longer mentioned as if it had any importance. The Marquês Operation case had its investigation opened in 2013, with the indictment filed in October 2017.
The trial of the former prime minister and 19 other defendants on economic and financial crimes, including corruption, began on July 3, 2025, with dozens of witnesses still to be heard.
