Court-appointed lawyers with long cases will start receiving interim payments

The Minister of Justice announced the approval of a regulation allowing interim payments to public defenders in lengthy cases, ensuring they are compensated within 30 days after court confirmation. This aims to address long-standing issues faced by legal aid providers. Additionally, the payment table will now include previously unlisted actions. During a parliamentary session, concerns were raised regarding comments made by the Secretary of State for Internal Administration about potential residency permit cancellations for demonstrators. The Minister reiterated that expulsion orders must come from a judge. She also discussed plans to close the Lisbon Prison by 2028 and the need for a new prison construction strategy. Furthermore, she declined a request for an extraordinary training course for prosecutors, emphasizing equality and quality in legal education.