Duarte Lima begins to be tried this Thursday

The trial of former PSD deputy Duarte Lima, accused of murdering Rosalina Ribeiro 17 years ago, begins this Thursday afternoon. The first day will feature the defendant's hearing and a witness, Rosemary Espinola. Lima's defense argues that the homicide charge has expired under Brazilian law, as it prescribes after 20 years, reduced to 10 years due to his age of 70. The case dates back to December 2009 when Ribeiro was shot and found dead, allegedly over a €5.2 million transfer to Lima. The prosecution claims Lima wanted Ribeiro to sign a document asserting the money was his, which she refused, leading to her murder. The trial has faced multiple delays due to witness notifications and missing recordings.