WAR.WIRE
Portugese defense minister to testify in embezzlement trial
LISBON (AFP) Jun 09, 2003
 Portugese Defense Minister Paulo Portas was expected to testify Monday in the embezzlement trial involving directors of Moderna University.

Portas was to testify on the relationship between the private university and a polling institution it finances, which he directed from 1997-1998.

At question was Portas' alleged use of university funds for political and private gains.

The defense minister's implication in the scandal, which has dragged an increasing number of figures from the public and private sectors into it, strikes another blow to public confidence in government in Portugal.

Former Labour Minister and current Socialist Party Spokesperson Paulo Pedroso was recently placed into custody following another scandal over alleged pedophilia in state reformatory for troubled youths.

WAR.WIRE