The deadline which Portugal generously afforded Iraq in which to lift the diplomatic immunity covering the ambassador's twin sons, or explain why it would not, is Thursday January 5th at midnight.
This deadline comes at the end of a 20 day extension as the Iraqis seem unable to move at even Portugal’s lethargic diplomatic pace.
Foreign Minister, Augusto Santos Silva, said today that Iraq had not yet responded to the Portuguese request to lift diplomatic immunity from the ambassador's 17-year-old twin sons who, by their own admission, attacked Reuben Cavaco in Ponte de Sor.
"I am hopeful that the interaction between Portugal and Iraq will be concluded and my wish is to conclude this so that it is possible to ascertain the events that took place in August in Ponte de Sor, to identify those responsible and, if applicable to bring those responsible to justice," said the minister, full of hope.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed on December 7th, 2016 that it had summoned the Iraqi ambassador to give him a nudge over the matter while at the same time adding a further 20 days grace.
Portugal’s public prosecutor wants to hear the 17-year-old Iraqi twins as defendants, and considered it essential that diplomatic immunity is lifted.
On August 17, Rúben Cavaco was attacked in Ponte de Sor, Portalegre, by the children of the ambassador. Cavaco needed reconstructive surgery and is slowly recovering after a severe beating during a savage attack.
