Rui Pinto to remain under witness protection after U-turn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 9 Oct, 18:07 · Archive

Portuguese authorities have suspended a decision to end the witness protection of Manchester City whistleblower Rui Pinto. The special security programmes commission (CPES) acknowledged he should have been given an opportunity to present his case before the decision was taken. The protection was due to end on Saturday.

Pinto can now challenge the withdrawal of his protection, with the commission expected to reconsider the matter. He has 10 working days to review the documentation underpinning the decision and risk assessment reports. The CPES recognised that Pinto had not been adequately informed of the grounds for terminating the programme or given the opportunity to exercise his right to challenge the decision.

Pinto has voiced fears for his safety after receiving credible death threats and being assaulted in Lisbon in April. His protected-witness status dates to April 2020, when Portugal's judicial police placed him under protection after he agreed to give investigators access to millions of files obtained from football clubs and other entities suspected of criminal activity.

How it is being reported

• Man City whistleblower Rui Pinto goes BACK into witness protection after 'fearing for his life'Riu Pinto was key in the process of levelling Premier League charges at Manchester City and he had previously appealed for help from the public in ensuring his safetyMirror Sport · 9 Oct, 20:52
• Rui Pinto to remain under witness protection after U-turn by Portuguese authoritiesCPES will now allow Pinto to challenge original decision Whistleblower to receive risk assessment reports Rui Pinto will remain under witness protection for the time being after Portuguese authorities suspended the decision to end it. The special security programmes commission (CPES) acknowledged he should have been given an opportunity to present his case before the decision was taken. The Manchester City whistleblower can now challenge the withdrawal of his protection, with the commission expected to reconsider the matter. In a statement signed by the Ministry of Justice, the CPES was said…Guardian Football · 9 Oct, 15:32

In this story: Rui Pinto · Manchester City · Portugal · Lisbon · Isabel dos Santos

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