A property owner managed to recover her house during the temporary absence of the illegal occupants, who went on vacation. The situation seemed to resolve in favor of the homeowner.
However, the owner now faces a criminal trial for illegal eviction, potentially facing up to seven years in prison.
The law appears to protect illegal occupants even when they temporarily abandon the property, making any attempt by the owner to reclaim their own home during these absences a crime.
The case illustrates the legal difficulties that property owners face in Portugal when trying to recover illegally occupied properties, even in seemingly favorable situations.
