The bar association said that the denouncement, made on TV by lawyer João Magalhães, did not make “the slightest reference to the specific professionals”, calling into question “the reputation of the colleagues who work” in Braga.

It added that the denouncement and the related facts “could affect the credit and good name of lawyers in general and the prestige of advocacy”.

João Magalhães made the denouncement on a programme about the kidnapping and killing of a local businessman, which has been blamed on two lawyers from Braga.

João Magalhães told Lusa he does not understand what the bar association means by its communications.

“If they are opening a hearing against me, all I can say is that it Looks like they just want to kill the messenger”, he said.

He added that he had received “hundreds” of messages from lawyers in Braga congratulating him on his “courage” for denouncing the lawyers.