Duarte Lima silent on the first day of trial

On the first day of his trial, former PSD deputy Duarte Lima, accused of murdering Rosalina Ribeiro in 2009, chose not to testify. Lima's lawyer stated that the case has already been judged in the public eye. The court faced difficulties locating key witnesses, including Rosemary Espinola, a close friend of Ribeiro. The prosecution claims the motive for the murder was a €5.2 million transfer from Ribeiro to Lima, which he allegedly wanted her to sign over as his. Lima maintains that the funds were for services rendered. The trial has been postponed multiple times since its initial date in November 2022.