Portuguese president expresses confidence in justice system

RDP Antena 1 radio, Lisbon

[Presenter] In view of all the judicial cases currently rocking political circles and shocking the country, Portuguese President Jorge Sampaio has recognized that these are difficult, and sometimes, dramatic times. Speaking in Coimbra this morning, Jorge Sampaio reiterated his appeal for serenity. At an international seminar on justice, taking place at the Coimbra university's social studies centre, Sampaio once more referred to the Casa Pia case [alleged paedophile acts at state-supported children's home].

[Sampaio] Faced with the horror that because of continued negligence so many children, who were entrusted to us for looking after and educate, became victims - it is imperative to say here that the president of the republic is certain that the guilty will be severely punished and the innocent will be acquitted, and that the impunity which has made this case a disgrace for us all for several decades, will finally come to an end.