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Supreme Court Reverses Decision on Calado and Avelino's Passports

Madeira GuideMadeira Guide
January 1, 2026
3 min read

The Supreme Court has overturned a previous ruling, allowing Pedro Calado and Avelino Farinha to retain their passports amidst an ongoing corruption investigation in Madeira.

In a significant development in the ongoing corruption investigation in Madeira, the Supreme Court of Justice has overturned a ruling by the Lisbon Court of Appeal. This ruling, initially intended to impose stricter measures on three defendants involved in the case, has now been reversed.

The defendants, including former Mayor of Funchal, Pedro Calado, and businessmen Custodio Correia and Avelino Farinha, will no longer face the intensified coercive measures previously decided. Instead, they are now only required to adhere to 'Termo de Identidade e ResidĂȘncia,' a legal condition obligating them to remain within a specified area and regularly report their whereabouts.

This decision was reported by the Now Canal on January 1st, 2026, highlighting the ongoing legal proceedings in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.

Pedro Calado, known for his tenure as the president of the Funchal City Council, along with the other defendants, has been under scrutiny for alleged involvement in corrupt activities within the region. The case underscores the broader issues of governance and integrity within Madeira's political and business sectors.

The legal term 'Termo de Identidade e ResidĂȘncia' is a common judicial measure in Portugal, used as an alternative to more severe restrictions such as detention, allowing the defendants some freedom while ensuring their availability for legal proceedings.

The reversal of the court’s decision marks a pivotal moment in the investigation, affecting both the individuals involved and the public's perception of the judicial process in Madeira.

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Madeira Guide

Madeira Guide

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