Portuguese authorities kept Rui Pinto, known as the Manchester City whistleblower, unaware for almost three months about their decision to terminate his protected witness status. He was reportedly notified just 10 days before the protection was due to expire.
Documents seen by the Guardian indicate that the special security programmes commission (CPES) concluded on 8 and 9 July that the threat level against Pinto was low, meaning special protection measures were no longer necessary. However, Pinto was not informed of this decision until 30 September, 83 days later.
This short notice has left Pinto with limited time to address immediate concerns, including finding a safe place to live and establishing a means of support in a new location. His lawyers plan to file an appeal this week, arguing that the decision goes against the European Court of Human Rights, particularly as Pinto was not heard before the decision was made.
Portugal's justice minister, Rita Alarcão Júdice, has since stated that authorities will review Pinto's case and has promised a response by Saturday, the day his protection is scheduled to end. Pinto's defence team has called the decision "an act of state terrorism."