The Government of Portugal has arrested 24 people as suspects for starting the forest fire. The fires in Portugal have caused a lot of damage to property and the lives of people as well. These suspects were arrested in the month of September. 80% of these people are currently in pre-trial detention.
People Arrested As Suspects For Starting Fire
A meeting of procedural hearings was held in parliament for the Ministry of Justice. Minister Rita Alarcão presented and shared some data from the Judicial Police about the arrested arsonist. Fabian Figueiredo MP had inquired about the updates on people who were arrested for the fire. Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has already informed that measures are being taken to find the reason for the fires.
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Minister Rita has informed us that most of the people were arrested on 24 September. It is believed that these people were involved in starting the fire. The Judicial Police even said that they have strong evidence against these suspects. These people are being held as detainees in various parts of Portugal. The Minister informed the parliament that some internal investigations are being carried out right now. The police are finding a pattern about the start of the fire. Maybe this will result in another investigation.
The police are not satisfied with just the arrests. They are trying to find a proper pattern for this crime. These investigations are still ongoing, and the minister could not reveal much at the moment. She has further reassured the parliament that police are looking into the matter. Minister Rita stated:
What is being done is an in-depth investigation into the cases of those who allegedly started these fires and to understand whether there is a pattern that would prompt new investigations. We cannot be satisfied with the mere arrest, because we have to understand whether there is a pattern.
Judicial Police Is Still Investigating Forest Fires
The Judicial Police is still leading the investigation into the forest fires. They are also being helped by the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP). Two teams are being deployed in this matter. One is working in the north and the other is working in the center. There is a demand for the PSP team in the south as well. A new PSP team will be deployed in the south soon for further assistance.
Prime Minister Montenegro also spoke in the parliament saying that the Minister is still processing what happened. The investigation is still under process. He also appreciated the Minister that she responded with the data on arson which is a great progress so far. He has clearly stated that now special attention will be given to investigating this matter.
There has been an official inquiry about the recruitment of 570 new judicial officers. This inquiry had opened on 10 September. There are around 1700 candidates for these new positions.
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