The man suspected of stealing €115,000 from Portugal’s network of important Jewish sites (Rede de Judiarias), who has been missing since November, has cropped up in a psychiatric unit.The former candidate for Covilhã council, in Portugal's Central region, has been discovered at a hospital in Beira Interior where he was admitted on March 7th, diagnosed with depression and is receiving medication.
Baptista’s hospital stay is likely to be an extended one as on discharge, he can look forward to a court case over the missing funds.
The police have already been in touch, saying there is a case of embezzlement to sort out but officers can't interview him until his medical team give the OK.
The missing money has shaken the Jewish community. Belmonte's Rabbi, Elish Sallas, commented last December that he was "in shock" and demanded "the whole truth."
Antonio Dias Rocha, president of the Jewish Network, laments the situation as Baptista “was a person that everyone trusted.”
The police have already been in touch, saying there is a case of embezzlement to sort out but officers can't interview him until his medical team give the OK.
The missing money has shaken the Jewish community. Belmonte's Rabbi, Elish Sallas, commented last December that he was "in shock" and demanded "the whole truth."
Antonio Dias Rocha, president of the Jewish Network, laments the situation as Baptista “was a person that everyone trusted.”
"The financial situation of the Network needs to be clarified as soon as possible. Now. It can not be postponed. We must face the problem. Identify those responsible. We have responsibilities to society, we have to be transparent, to have courage and tell the whole truth," said Rabbi Salas.
The municipalities that are part of the Jewish Network have decided to cover the funds that have been pinched, until the court case is concluded.
The Rede de Judiarias is an association whose purpose is to defend the architectural, environmental, historical and cultural patrimony of Portugal’s Jewish heritage. The Network was founded in 2011 and seeks to promote this rich legacy to encourage tourism.
The founding partners are nine councils, six Regional Tourism Boards and the Jewish Community of Belmonte. The loss of €115,000 is a serious blow to the organisation, the chance that this money will be recovered is slim.
The municipalities that are part of the Jewish Network have decided to cover the funds that have been pinched, until the court case is concluded.
The Rede de Judiarias is an association whose purpose is to defend the architectural, environmental, historical and cultural patrimony of Portugal’s Jewish heritage. The Network was founded in 2011 and seeks to promote this rich legacy to encourage tourism.
The founding partners are nine councils, six Regional Tourism Boards and the Jewish Community of Belmonte. The loss of €115,000 is a serious blow to the organisation, the chance that this money will be recovered is slim.
