Portugal suspends 62 teachers over criminal records

The Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation has provisionally suspended 62 teachers after an automated criminal record verification system identified convictions incompatible with working with minors. The crimes detected include sexual abuse, child pornography, domestic violence, and maltreatment.

This new mechanism was introduced during the current school year as part of an administrative simplification and digitalization initiative. Unlike previous manual procedures, this automated system provides permanent updates to enhance the safety and protection of students while reducing the administrative burden on school management.

Minister Fernando Alexandre has ordered the General Inspection of Education and Science (IGEC) to conduct an urgent and immediate analysis of all identified cases. The IGEC will review the nature of the convictions, including any accessory penalties or judicial prohibitions, to determine the specific legal consequences and necessary actions for each individual.