Summary:
Luís Montenegro files legal action against Chega over posters linking him to José Sócrates.
Montenegro's measure has been accepted, requiring Chega to respond within ten days.
André Ventura defends freedom of expression, calling the legal action a serious violation.
Ventura asserts that the PS and PSD symbolize corruption in public governance.
Montenegro's legal team labels the posters as shameful and defamatory.
Legal Action Against Chega
Luís Montenegro, the leader of the PSD party and Prime Minister of Portugal, has initiated legal proceedings against the Chega party, demanding the removal of posters that associate him with former Prime Minister José Sócrates, both depicted as symbols of corruption in Portugal. Montenegro filed a precautionary measure in the Lisbon Judicial Court, which has reportedly been accepted, giving Chega ten days to respond.
Montenegro confirmed to journalists, "I can confirm that we have filed a precautionary measure", emphasizing that the appropriate venue for such discussions is the court. However, he did not disclose whether the court accepted or rejected the measure.
Chega's Response
In response, André Ventura, the leader of Chega, denied being notified about any legal action from the Prime Minister. He stated that if the precautionary measure against the party for the posters and political messages is confirmed, it is a serious violation of freedom of expression. Ventura claimed, "We are conveying a message to the country that the PS and PSD are today, after 50 years, the symbol of corruption that has settled at all levels of public governance". He further accused Montenegro of being a representation of this corruption.
Freedom of Expression Concerns
Ventura expressed his astonishment that a Prime Minister would resort to legal action to suppress a political party's expression, stating, "It is troubling that a Prime Minister, a democrat, believes he should go to court to process a party and demand the removal of political posters in public". He also questioned whether social media would be subjected to similar controls.
Moreover, Ventura highlighted Montenegro's ongoing suspicions regarding corruption, asserting that the current PSD and Prime Minister are among the greatest symbols of systemic decay. He stated, "We will not remove our posters that highlight this: the system is rotten and corrupt".
Conclusion of Legal Proceedings
The action brought forth by Montenegro cites the right to due process for those targeted, including Ventura, who has been summoned to court to present his defense. Montenegro's legal team referred to the campaign posters as "shameful" and "defamatory", arguing that they improperly link his image with that of a former leader embroiled in a long-standing corruption case.
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