Computer hacker and Manchester City whistleblower Rui Pinto remains under witness protection after Portuguese authorities suspend a decision to end his protection, according to multiple outlets. The move follows actions by Portugal’s authorities regarding a security programme in which he is taking part.
Outlets report that Portugal’s Commission for Special Security Programmes (CPES) has carried out a “u-turn” by suspending the termination. The Guardian adds that the commission recognises Pinto should have been informed of the grounds for ending the programme and given an opportunity to challenge the decision. The Mirror describes Pinto as fearful for his life, and says he had sought help from the public to ensure his safety.
All sources link the case to Pinto’s release of documents that helped trigger a Premier League investigation into Manchester City. While the outlets vary in emphasis—some focusing on the procedural grounds for the reversal and others on Pinto’s personal safety concern—they agree on the central point: his witness protection is continuing for now pending further review.
