Justice Minister highlights domestic violence in opening of judicial year
"Let us change the story of Alcinda Cruz and dedicate ourselves to the cause of justice for all in our country," she urged.

What?
At the opening ceremony of the judicial year, a ceremony attended by several state figures, Portugal’s Minister of Justice, Rita Júdice, highlighted the recent femicide of Alcinda Cruz and the broader issue of domestic violence.
Júdice questioned what the justice system could say to those affected by such tragedies, including the children, family, and friends of victims.
“Four days ago, just after midnight, a 46-year-old woman was murdered by her husband in their home in Barreiro, in front of her children, aged 6 and 14,” Júdice recounted.
“Alcinda Cruz was brutally attacked with a knife and scissors. While this horrific event unfolded, some of us were preparing for this ceremony. What do we have to say to her children?”
Júdice condemned domestic violence as one of the gravest crimes, stressing that it must be reported, investigated, and prevented.
She emphasized that victims often endure in silence due to shame, highlighting the importance of prioritizing domestic violence cases in the judicial system.
Despite acknowledging the gravity of the issue, no new governmental measures were announced to combat domestic violence, which resulted in 16 fatalities and 53 attempted murders in 2024 alone.
Tragic Details of Alcinda Cruz’s Case
The tragic murder of Alcinda Cruz unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, January 9, in Barreiro.
During a heated domestic argument, her husband, Pedro Antiqua, 45, a private security guard, attacked his wife with scissors, fatally wounding her in front of their two children, aged 14 and 6.

According to a statement from the Setúbal Judiciary Police, the eldest child attempted to intervene and prevent the attack, ultimately calling emergency services (112) to report the crime. Tragically, Cruz succumbed to her injuries before help arrived.
Antiqua fled the scene but turned himself in at the Barreiro police station two hours later, while the Setúbal Judiciary Police were already conducting evidence collection at the crime scene.
Antiqua is accused of qualified homicide and appeared in court on Friday morning to face coercive measures. After approximately two and a half hours of testimony, the criminal investigation judge ruled preventive detention, the harshest pre-trial measure, given the severity of the crime.
The family had a history of domestic violence, including a complaint filed by Cruz in 2022, which was later archived. The children have since been placed in the care of relatives, and the victim’s eldest daughter, 21, who lives abroad, was informed of the tragedy.
Alcinda Cruz was the first domestic violence fatality of 2025.
Judicial Reforms and Efficiency Measures
The Minister also outlined upcoming reforms aimed at improving judicial efficiency.
These include finalizing updates to laws governing the confiscation of assets acquired through corruption, establishing a working group to enhance procedural speed, and empowering judges during criminal case proceedings.
The recent shift to electronic processing in criminal inquiries has already yielded significant time savings.
“In one month, we saved 238 days of work for a judicial officer. This translates to over 1,600 hours, or eight months of work,” Júdice revealed.
Addressing a decline in magistrate candidates, Júdice announced plans to expand access to the Judiciary Studies Center and open a new training facility in Vila do Conde.
She also detailed legislative proposals aimed at rejuvenating the judiciary by enabling younger magistrates to compete for Supreme Court positions.
Efforts to modernize infrastructure include the distribution of thousands of computers to judicial staff and magistrates, funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR).
Júdice highlighted these investments as steps to address longstanding technological deficits, citing cases such as the lack of email access in Madeira's registries.
Solidarity with Justice Officials
Outside the ceremony, judicial officials held a silent protest.
Júdice expressed her commitment to resolving their grievances, emphasizing her role as an ally focused on practical solutions, including improved facilities and resources, salary supplements, and nearly 600 new hires.
The Minister concluded by honoring women who have made significant contributions to the Portuguese justice system, including former Attorney General Joana Marques Vidal.
Reflecting on Vidal’s legacy, Júdice called for collective inspiration to address challenges such as domestic violence.