Portugal Begins 17-Year-Old Murder Trial: Duarte Lima Charged in Rosalina Ribeiro’s Death
📌 Key Highlights & Context
- Trial starts 17 years after the crime
- Evidence transfer between Portugal and Brazil caused major delays
- Lima faces a potentially severe prison sentence
Portugal’s Sintra Court commenced the trial of Duarte Lima, who is accused of murdering Rosalina Ribeiro in Brazil in December 2009. The case has been repeatedly postponed due to complex exchanges of forensic evidence and official documents between Portuguese and Brazilian authorities.
Procedural Delays
The investigation began in Brazil, but Portuguese prosecutors claimed jurisdiction because of alleged links to Portuguese territory. Negotiations over the hand‑over of DNA samples, autopsy reports, and witness statements dragged on for years, stalling the trial.
Court Proceedings and Outlook
During the opening session, the defense argued that the evidence is incomplete and that Lima should be acquitted, while the prosecution maintained that the material presented is sufficient for conviction. The trial is expected to last a week, with a verdict anticipated next month.
- Incident: Murder of Rosalina Ribeiro (December 2009)
- Suspect: Duarte Lima
- Venue: Sintra Court, Portugal
Sources
Duarte Lima começa a ser julgado quase 17 anos depois da morte de Rosalina Ribeiro