Both men have been in detention since late November, as investigations continue. Sócrates is suspected by prosecutors of fraud, graft and money laundering; allegations he has denied.


Sócrates's former driver, João Perna, has been released from house arrest, and must report to a police station on a weekly basis, by order of the investigating magistrate in the case, Carlos Alexandre. He may not travel abroad or have contact with the other suspects.


On Saturday, Paulo Lalanda Castro, director of Octapharma, a pharmaceutical company for which Sócrates had in the past worked as a consultant, made it known that he, too, had been named a person of interest in the investigation.


On Monday, Sócrates was heard as a witness by prosecutors in the ambit of two cases concerning alleged violation of judicial secrecy.

The latest ruling is valid for 90 days and will have to be reassessed in May should there be no new developments in the case.