The man who fled the Ponte de Sor Court on May 13th took to TikTok to announce that he intends to surrender to the authorities “very soon”. Manuel Moura Machado, 37, says he regrets the escape, but guarantees that he acted out of fear of what could happen to his family.
In the video published on social media, the accused admits that his actions have “very serious consequences” and recognizes that “the law must be the same for everyone”. Even so, he justifies his evasion with supposed threats and episodes of violence that he says he has suffered over the last few years.
“I am very sorry for what I did,” says Manuel Moura Machado in the recording, adding that he did not flee because he considered himself completely innocent. “I’m not 100% innocent”, he admits, arguing, however, that there are other people involved in the case who should also be held responsible.
The fugitive also says that the fear was not of the authorities, but of individuals linked to an old conflict, accusing the National Republican Guard, the Évora Judicial Police and the Public Ministry of not having responded to his requests for help.
According to him, over the last few years he has been the victim of several violent episodes, including physical attacks, shootings and damage to vehicles. In the video, he also guarantees that the escape from the court did not involve violence against members of the security forces. “I didn’t hit or push anyone. I simply ran away”, he says.
Manuel Moura Machado also says that he made the decision in a moment of desperation, claiming that the family had been the target of death threats and that the pregnant woman and children were at risk.
The recording ends with a direct appeal to the Chega party and its leader André Ventura, asking them to follow the case and investigate “everything to the core”.
The fugitive gypsy from Ponte de Sor has already reported and says ‘he will surrender himself to justice’.
A whole plot from beyond and a new look worthy of an escape!!!— Malaghetto (@Malaghetto74)
