Portugal: whistleblower Rui Pinto in mortal danger?
Portuguese whistleblower Rui Pinto is facing the prospect of losing his state witness protection. The founder of the website Football Leaks exposed illegal practices in professional football, but was found guilty of cybercrimes and attempted extortion in 2023 and given a four-year suspended sentence. The Portuguese press debates whether or not the state should continue to protect him.
Exposed to acts of revenge
The Portuguese state is playing with Rui Pinto's life, writes Jornal de Notícias:
“The decision was taken three months ago, but was only communicated ten days before his entitlement to witness protection was due to expire. This is no coincidence. It was just when it emerged that Manchester City is at risk of losing its titles and being expelled from the Premier League over a fraud scandal. ... In other words, just when someone is even more likely to seek revenge. … Rui Pinto may be a hero or a villain – but whatever the case, he cannot be left without protection.”
He deserves protection despite his crimes
Regardless of the crimes for which he was convicted, Pinto must remain under the state's witness protection programme, argues Correio da Manhã:
“Rui Pinto was convicted of illegally obtaining documents and attempted extortion. … Rui Pinto has paid the price for his crimes and is cooperating with investigations that have uncovered illegal practices in football and in other areas. … To withdraw his protection now is an injustice that puts him at the mercy of people who are capable of anything. And that is unacceptable.”