Press release - Communication

Presidência do Governo Regional

It is with deep sadness and regret that the Government of the Azores, represented by the President of the Regional Government, José Manuel Bolieiro, mourns the death of Joana Marques Vidal, a public prosecutor and a distinguished personality in the Portuguese justice system.

Joana Marques Vidal began her duties as a magistrate in 1979, standing out throughout a remarkable career for her integrity and dedication to justice. On October 12, 2012, she was appointed by the President of the Republic Aníbal Cavaco Silva as Attorney General of the Portuguese Republic, a post she held with distinction until October 12, 2018, being the first woman to hold this important position.

After leaving office as Attorney General, she was awarded the Grand Cross of the Military Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ on October 22, 2018, in recognition of her services to the nation. Since November 20, 2018, Joana Marques Vidal has served in the Public Prosecutor's Office at the Constitutional Court, where she continued her tireless defence of the law and justice.

Her ties to the Azores are also particularly relevant. 

Between 2004 and 2007, she served as Legal Auditor to the Minister of the Portuguese Republic for the Autonomous Region of the Azores and as representative of the Public Prosecutor's Office in the Azores Regional Section of the Court of Auditors. Her contribution was invaluable to the Region, where she left an everlasting mark through her hard work and commitment to the values of justice.

In addition to her role in justice, Joana Marques Vidal was the first woman to chair the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV) between 2007 and 2012, demonstrating her deep commitment to defending victims' rights and promoting social justice.

At this time of grief, the Government of the Azores would like to offer its deepest condolences to Joana Marques Vidal's family, friends and colleagues. 

Her departure has left a huge void. Nonetheless, her legacy of justice, ethics and public service will live on forever in the memory of all those who had the privilege of working with her and benefiting from her invaluable contribution to Portuguese society.