Mercy of Santo Tirso submits complaint in the MP against former mayor

Sthe complaint was filed on Friday against “third parties”, explaining that it does not “identify undue access to the Santa Casa database, but the misuse of it by Joaquim Couto for electoral purposes”.

The complaint stems from the statement of 23 September of Mercy, which accounted for a security incident that occurred on the eve of “e-mails were sent to the brothers of this institution, improperly and unauthorised, by a candidate for such elections [for the administration of the institution], a person who was not allowed to have access to personal data in reference”.

Contacted by Lusa, the vice-prospector, Ricardo Baptista revealed to have been one of the “800 brothers” of the Santa Casa that received an “e-mail” from the address , containing a pamphlet with the announcement of the candidacy and the measures of Joaquim Couto for the electoral act to take place in December, for a term of four years.

“Dr. Joaquim Couto is a brother of the institution and, like any brother, he has every right to apply and does so, certainly, with the idea that he may be the best for the institution,” said the vice-professor, stressing that the problem lies in “indecent access to the database, which contains personal data of all the brothers and sisters, who were contacted improperly.”.

On the same date, Ricardo Baptista revealed that the leak would be “investigated by the Mercy services”.

Lusa tried a reaction from Joaquim Couto, but so far it was not possible.

On 23 September, contacted by Lusa about the alleged undue access to the database, the former mayor claimed to have been “President of the General Assembly of Mercy between 2009 and 2023” and that “a normal, ordinary electoral process of the elections for the Holy House of Mercy is open”.