José Sócrates’ mother did not attend the Operation Marquês trial this Thursday, where she would be heard as a witness. A medical certificate justifying the absence was delivered, but the document was not accepted by the judges at the Campus da Justiça, as it was presented by For Pedro Dellawyer for the former prime minister.
For the first time since the start of the trial of judge Susana Seca raised her voice to reprimand José Sócrates’ lawyer.
“The fun is over!”shouted the judge at the moment the lawyer got excited, after being reprimanded for having unjustifiably missed the session, which forced an unofficial lawyer to be called to represent the former prime minister.
“The doctor was notified to appear at 9:30. He did not appear because he knew that the witness [mãe de Sócrates] didn’t come. He presented a certificate, without having a power of attorney to represent the witness”, the judge found.
The lawyer’s response Pedro Delille didn’t take long to arrive:
“I assumed the session would start later.”
But the judge did not forgive:
“Mr. Doctor assumed wrong! All his colleagues attended.“
The exchange of words did not end there and Pedro Delille added:
“The judge won’t scold me!”
Finally, the judge responded:
“The joke is over! You will answer to the Bar Association.”
The Operation Marquis trial has been marked by several episodes of exaltation and disrespect towards the court.
In the first few days, the former prime minister made and even left the courtroom without asking for permission.
