Anti-corruption champion accused of defamation

COURT || Ana Gomes, former Portuguese ambassador and euro MP, a tireless ‘anti-corruption’ champion and most recently contender in the presidential elections, is back in court accused of defamation by businessman and media mogul Mário Ferreira.

As Público confirms, this is a long-running battle between the two going back many years.

“At issue are considerations of the businessman of the Mystic Invest/ Douro Azul group and of TVI, produced by the former ambassador on SIC Notícias and on Twitter, following investigations and searches related to the sub-concession of Viana do Castelo Shipyards (ENVC) and business deals in ships,” says the paper.

“Reacting to a tweet from the prime minister António Costa, after having participated in the baptism of the MS World Explorer on April 7, 2019 (a ship constructed at ENVC by the Mystic Invest group), the former presidential candidate Ana

Gomes lamented the fact that the government was treating ‘a notorious crook/ tax criminal’ as if he were ‘a great businessman’.’

Ana Gomes also described the sale of the ferryboat (Atlântida) to Mário Ferreira as “a con”.

On the basis that defamation in Portugal is still considered a serious crime (so-called offences to people’s good name creating untold business for lawyers called in for either side), it is hardly surprising that Ms Gomes’ comments saw Mr Ferreira react.

According to a dispatch issued by the Porto department of investigation and penal action in September 2020, Ana Gomes was cited for two crimes of ‘aggravated defamation’, which potentially could carry jail terms if she is found guilty.

Público says Mário Ferreira and the Public Ministry believe Ms Gomes’ considerations “manifestly offended the honour and good name” of Mr Ferreira, as well as his “image and consideration”.