Category Archives: Useful Information

Note from the President of the Câmara

Amovate have today received an advisory note from the President of the Câmara. We have obtained a computer generated translation into English and attached is both the original and the translation.

The main purpose of this note is to advise members that the Court of Appeal in Evora has overturned the Judgement made by the Lagos Court in June 2012

The President is unsure that people are aware of this decision and he wanted people to know the facts:

 

Estimados:

Em anexo nota que remetemos à imprensa em Maio do corrente ano, no âmbito do recurso que haviamos apresentado para o Tribunal da Relação de Évora e que declarou NULO o acordão/sentença do Tribunal de Lagos, a propósito do processo de Vale da Telha, facto que pode ainda não ser do conhecimento de alguns de vós.

Com a habitual estima e consideração, apresento os meus respeitosos cumprimentos.
03/09/2013
José Amarelinho

Tribunal da Relação Évora, declara NULO acórdão proferido!

No âmbito do processo 592/03.2TAEVR, no qual eram arguidos, entre outros, Jose Manuel Velhinho Amarelinho e Manuel de Jesus Marreiros, demos conta em junho de 2012, do acórdão, proferido pela Meritíssima Juíza Presidente do Coletivo do Tribunal Judicial de Lagos, que nos sentenciou como à altura tornámos público.

De igual modo queremos hoje trazer ao vosso conhecimento a decisão do Tribunal da Relação de Évora, para onde havíamos recorrido e que declarou nulo o acórdão então proferido.

Sem prejuízo da leitura integral do acórdão agora produzido, consideramos pertinente destacar as passagens que abaixo passamos a reproduzir/transcrever:

(…)”…,em momento algum foi comunicada aos Arguidos Manuel José de Jesus Marreiros e José Manuel  Velhinho Amarelinho a possibilidade de imposição da perda de mandato.

Deste modo, a imposição aos Recorrentes da perda de mandato prevista na alínea f) do artigo 29 º da Lei nº 34/87, de 16 de julho, constitui alteração da qualificação jurídica dos factos descritos na acusação sem que tivesse sido cumprido o formalismo exigido pelo artigo 358º do Código de Processo Penal.

O que acarreta a nulidade da sentença prevista na alínea b) do nº 1 do artigo 379º do Código do Processo Penal …”

(…) “As regras constantes do artigo 374º do Código de Processo Penal corporizam a exigência consagrada no artigo 205º, nº1 da Constituição da Republica Portuguesa – dever de fundamentação das decisões dos Tribunais que não sejam de mero expediente.

Dever de fundamentação que, reportado à sentença, abrange a matéria de facto e a matéria de direito, para que tal peça processual contenha os elementos que, por via das regras da experiência ou de critérios lógicos, conduziram o Tribunal a proferir aquela decisão e não outra.

Da conjugação dos mencionados preceitos legais decorre que a sentença deve ser fundamentada e que a sentença que não seja fundamentada é nula”(…)

(…)”Não basta, pois, uma declaração genérica tabelar – que lesaria as garantias de defesa  do arguido, por não assegurar a apreciação de toda a matéria da acusação e da defesa, permitindo julgamentos implícitos e subtraídos a toda e qualquer fiscalização -, sendo imprescindível que a fundamentação, como base de um processo decisório, se exteriorize em termos que permita acompanhar o percurso cognoscitivo e valorativo que explicite, justificando, uma concreta tomada de posição jurisdicional”(…)

(…)”Concluindo, a sentença recorrida exibe uma deficiente análise critica da prova produzida, não permitindo aos seus destinatários e também a esta Relação alcançar o raciocínio efetuado pelos julgadores subjacente à factualidade que consideram como provada e não provada.

Deficiência que equivalendo à ausência de exame crítico da prova acarreta a consequência prevista na alínea a) do nº 1 do artigo 379º do Código do Processo Penal – nulidade da sentença.”(…)

(…)”O volumoso acervo documental reunido nos autos” que, na perspectiva dos Julgadores, demonstra as atuações dos Arguidos, não foi objeto de avaliação, nem no local próprio onde deve ser feita(motivação ou fundamentação da matéria de facto) nem em qualquer outro lugar.”(…)

(…)”…Tribunal recorrido limitou-se a relatar o conteúdo dos depoimentos produzidos, na parte em que os considerou relevantes, sem os conjugar, em concreto, com os outros meios de prova.”

(…)”As deficiências apontadas, equivalendo à ausência de exame critico da prova, acarretam a consequência prevista na alínea a) do nº 1 do artigo 379º do Código de Processo Penal – nulidade do acórdão.”

A todos, em particular aos Aljezurenses, agradecemos toda a amizade, solidariedade e preocupação sempre reveladas desde a primeira hora. Bem hajam!

Melhores cumprimentos.

José Amarelinho

Manuel Marreiros

Aljezur, 28 de Maio de 2013

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Dear Sirs:
Attached please note that reference is made to the press in May of this year, in the context of the appeal that we presented to the Court of Appeal of Evora which has declared null and void the sentence of the Court of Lagos, relating to the purpose of the process of Vale da Telha, a fact that may not be known to some of you.
With the usual esteem and consideration, I present my respectful greetings.
03/09/2013
José Amarelinho
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This is a computer-generated translation of the judgement sent by the Mayor…
Court of appeal Évora, declares NULL judgement!
59203.2 process TAEVR, in which were the accused, among others, Jose Manuel Amarelinho and Manuel de Jesus Marreiros, realized in June 2012, the judgment, delivered by the Honourable President of the collective of Judges of the Lagos Court, of which the sentence given to us was immediately made available to the public.
Similarly we would like to bring your attention to the findings of the court of appeal in Evora, to which we appealed to against the original sentence, today and to bring your attention to  their decision of which they ruled that the original sentence was null and void!
Without prejudice to the full reading of the judgment now produced, we consider it pertinent to highlight passages below we come to reproduce:
(…)”… at no time was it communicated to the Defendants Manuel José de Jesus Marreiros and José Manuel Old Yellowing the possibility of losing their mandate.
Accordingly, the imposition on the Recurring loss of mandate referred to in paragraph (f)) of article 29 of law No. 3487, of 16 July, is changing the legal classification of the facts described in the indictment without had been fulfilled the formalism required by article 358º of the code of criminal procedure.
What entails the nullity of the sentence referred to in paragraph b) of paragraph 1 of article 379º of the code of criminal procedure. ”
(…) “The rules contained in article 374º of the code of criminal procedure are part of the requirement enshrined in article 205º, paragraph 1 of the Constitution of the Portuguese Republic – obligation to state reasons in the decisions of the
(…)”Not just a generic statement table – that would interfere the guarantees of the accused’s defence, not to ensure the enjoyment of all matter of prosecution and defence, allowing implicit judgments and subtracted to any oversight, being essential that the statement of reasons, as the basis of a decision-making process, if he touches in terms that may accompany the cognitive path and value which is self-explanatory, justifying, a concrete judicial stance “(…)
(…)”In conclusion, the contested sentence displays a critical analysis of deficient evidence produced, not allowing your recipients and also this relationship reach the reasoning made by judges behind the factuality that consider how proven and unproven.
Disability which equivalent to absence of critical examination of the evidence entails the consequences referred to in (a)) of paragraph 1 of article 379º of the code of criminal procedure – invalidity of the sentence. “(…)
(…)”The voluminous documentary collection assembled in the records “that, in view of the Judges, demonstrates the actions of the Defendants, was the subject of evaluation, nor on the site itself where it should be made (motivation or justification of matter of fact) nor anywhere else.”(…)
(…)”…Court defendant merely report the content of the statements made, in so far as it considered relevant, without the balance, in concrete, with the other evidence. ”
(…)”The deficiencies identified, equivalent to the absence of critical examination
Everyone, in particular the people of Aljezure, we appreciate all the friendship, solidarity and concern always revealed since the first hour. Thank you!

Best Regards.

José Amarelinho

Manuel Marreiros

Register to Vote – Local Elections 29th September

This Autumn the “Presidente da Câmara” “and “Presidente da Junta” in all town halls and parishes all over the country are up for election on 29th September.

Foreigners from EU countries and those from Argentine, Uruguay, Israel, Norway & Peru and the Portuguese speaking countries, who are resident in Portugal and have held a Residência card for 2 years, can register to vote at their local Junta de Freguesia.

Whilst most expatriates are not eligible to vote in the National elections in Portugal, they can vote in their local elections once they have qualified.  Eligible expatriates are encouraged to take the simple step of going to their local Junta de Freguesia and registering to vote.  Even by doing only this, you will make the authorities aware that they have expatriates in their area who are potential voters!.

The minimum voting age is 18 years, but 17 year olds may register to enable them to vote as soon as they turn 18.

How to register?

The registration process is very simple and costs nothing.  First-time registration can be made at anytime at the offices of your local Parish Council (Junta de Freguesia) up to 60 days before elections take place.  To register, just take along your valid Portuguese Residence Card (Cartão de Residência) or your Passport.  You will be required to fill in a registration form (Verbete de Inscrição).  The staff will then provide you with a Voter’s Card (Cartão de Eleitor), which shows your name, voter’s number and constituency.

Once you are registered there is normally no need to re-register unless you move to a different parish (freguesia).  In which case you will need to transfer your registration by going to your new “Junta de Freguesia”, complete a transfer form (Impresso de Transferência) and inform them of your change of address.  You should also give them your previous voter’s card which they will then retain and issue you with a new one.

How to check your registration?

You can check your registration every June (between 11th and 25th) at your Parish Council Office.   If there is an error in the registration record (Cadernos Eleitorais), you must make a written complaint to the Constituency Registration Commission (Comissão Recenseadora).

Lost your card?

If you misplace your Voter’s Card go to your local Parish Council Office with your valid Portuguese Residencia card and ask for a replacement.  They can provide it on the spot.  If you know your voter’s registration number the process will be quicker.

How to vote.

On voting day you may cast your vote between 9am and 7pm.  You will need to go to the voting hall (assembleia de voto) with your Identity Card/Residencia (or other Portuguese document with a photograph) and your Voter’s Card (Cartão de Eleitor).  If you have lost your Voting Card it is still possible to vote.

At the voting hall look for the signs telling you which Voting Table (Mesa de Voto) to use.  Each table deals with a range of voters’ numbers.  Normally one table is reserved for foreign residents.

At the table show your valid Residência card, hand-over your Voter’s Card and you will receive the Voting Form (Boletim de Voto).  There is a curtained chamber where you fill in the Voting Form.   Indicate your chosen candidate or Political Party by putting a cross in the box alongside the name.   Fold the Voting Form in two, with the written part hidden inside, go back to the Voting Table and place your folded Voting Form in the sealed box (urna).  The scrutineers will mark in the Voting Register that you have voted and return your Voting Card.

 

This information has been compiled by afpop, the largest Association for foreign residents in Portugal.  Fuller information is available to Members.  afpop can be contacted at their office in Portimão: Urb Quinta do Morais, Poço Fojo Lote 6, Loja c, Apartado 728, 8501-917 Portimão.  Tel: 00351 282 458 509.  E-mail:info@afpop.com.  Web site: www.afpop.com

Charity Collectors around Vale da Telha

Amovate has had several queries from residents concerning the recent spate of Charity Collectors in Vale da Telha.  The collectors appear to be visiting houses on a more regular basis.

An Amovate representative contacted the local GNR to find out if these collectors are legitimate.  We were told that the recent collectors DO NOT have a license.

The procedure is that any Charity must first obtain a license to collect, from the Cãmara, indicating the days when they will be collecting.  The Cãmara then inform the GNR who are made aware of the details.

The GNR have stessed that each individual is at liberty to give to any charity they wish, but if anyone is unsure of the validity of these collectors, please e mail Amovate on info@amovate.com with as much information as you can provide (i.e. numbers of people, vehicles, registration numbers, name of charity etc.)   We will then forward your e mail to the GNR for verification.

Changes to Passport Services for British Nationals

Applications for passports by British Nationals overseas will soon be handled from the UK.

The British Government is making important changes and from 15th April 2013 the passport application process will be centralised.  British nationals in Portugal should submit their passport applications to Identity and Passport Services (IPS) in the UK.

Further information can be found on the Algarve Daily News – Changes to Passport Services for British Nationals and Gov.UK website

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Amovate Representatives attend Residence Seminar

Amovate representatives attended a recent seminar in Lagos, which was billed as a Residence Seminar.  In attendance were – British Consulate Portimão, Administration Regional de Saude, & SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras).

We were told it was not as fully informative as expected, and most information would already be known to people who have lived in Portugal for a few years.  Here are some of the points raised:

  • Firstly, it was reported that it is compulsory for foreigners who live in Portugal permanently to become a Resident after 3 months of residing here. (Although it is unknown how this is policed and monitored)

If you have Residencia, and allow this to lapse, and then apply again, there will be a fine to pay.
Residencia is obtained in Portimão at SEF. **(see below for details on how to renew your Residencia in Portimão)

 

  • With regards to Healthcare – EVERYONE who lives in Portugal is entitled to be registered, and is entitled to receive healthcare on the equivalent of the Portuguese National Health.

Those in receipt of a State Pension (and who have lodged a Form S1) will receive treatment at a minimal cost. Those who are living here, and are below State pensionable age, and are not employed, fall into a “Grey Area” which is a slight  anomaly and it was stated that although they will still be treated, they will have to contribute more to the costs of Doctors Appointments etc.  When asked if there was a table available showing these costs, the speakers were unable to confirm the costs involved.  However, it is understood that these costs can be obtained from the health Website.

Here below are some of the links to the public services:

Administration Regional de Saude:

 http://www.arsalgarve.min-saude.pt

European Site: http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catld=559langld=en

SEF (Servico de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras):

http://www.sef.pt

The British Consulate indicated that he is more than happy to come up to the Aljezur area, and it is hoped that this  will be arranged in the near future.

** How to renew your Residencia at SEF in Portimão

You need to make an appointment at SEF by telephoning 808 202 653.

Wait until they finish speaking and then you need to press the telephone key (1)

You wait again and you press the key (4) and again you wait and then you press the key (4) again

Then you will speak to someone to make the appointment.

The best time to make the phone call is early in the morning around 8:30 (that is when they start working).  For the appointment you will need your full names and birth dates.  They will inform you about the documents you need to take to Portimão, or you can find it on this web site:

http://www.sef.pt/portal/V10/EN/aspx/apoioCliente/detalheApoio.aspx?fromIndex=0&id_Linha=4351#CReg_Permanente_EN

look for the paragraph:

CERTIFICATE OF PERMANENT RESIDENCE
FOR EU/EEA/SWITZERLAND CITIZENS

You can go onto the website, and print out the forms to complete in advance, to save time when you go for your appointment. Please Note: SEF will not photocopy any documents for you, so be prepared and take copies with you.

 

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