Operation Marquês. Judge refuses to start trial of the smallest case

The judge overseeing the smallest case of the Marquês Operation has decided not to initiate the trial and to merge it with the main case. Judge Ruben Vieira stated that the connection between the two cases justifies this decision, as both involve the same facts and defendants. The smaller case, involving former Prime Minister José Sócrates and businessman Carlos Santos Silva, was set to begin on October 30. Sócrates welcomed the decision, arguing it prevents the abuse of parallel trials that could compromise his defense rights. The main trial, focusing on corruption charges, has been ongoing since July 3, 2025, with 21 defendants, including Sócrates.