Government responds to criticism, calls PJ audits 'natural'

Lisbon, Portugal – The Portuguese government has moved to quell criticism surrounding recent audits of the Polícia Judiciária (PJ), the national judicial police force. Officials, from Prime Minister Luís Montenegro down to Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice, have publicly stated that the audits are a routine and natural part of oversight. They are attempting to de-dramatize the situation, emphasizing that such reviews are standard procedure. The current focus of these audits appears to be primarily on the individual leading the Internal Administration sector. Despite the government's efforts to present the audits as a normal administrative process, the move has generated debate and scrutiny regarding the independence and functioning of the PJ. The statements from high-ranking officials aim to reassure the public and the force itself that the process is not an indication of wrongdoing but rather a standard measure of accountability and review within the justice system.