The former Portuguese prime minister José Sócrates returned to court about a year after he asked for a pause in the trial sessions. During his statement, Sócrates said he was the target of a "false accusation" and "manipulation," defending himself against the charges against him.
The former Portuguese head of state is still without a lawyer to represent him in the case. According to him, the situation of not being represented by a lawyer is not his responsibility, suggesting that the choice or appointment of a defender does not depend on him.
This return to court marks a significant moment in the judicial process involving the former prime minister, who faces charges that are not specified in the article, but which motivated this long absence from the trial sessions.
