LISBON’S UNIVERSIDADE Independente, which has been given a closure order by the government for alleged mismanagement and corruption, is to fight the decision in the courts.
According to the Portuguese news agency Lusa, the university is to contest the closure order issued by the Ministry of Science, Technology and Higher Education on August 2, 2007.
The contested document is signed by two people from the university’s Law Department, Ribeiro de Oliveira and Vítor Parente Ribeiro.
According to the ministry’s edict, the university has until October 31 to close down, when special seasonal exams are over.
According to the ministerial edict signed by Minister Mariano Gago, the university may only carry out those functions that are strictly necessary for the completion of the educational year. It may not undertake any enrolments, subscriptions or preparations relating to the forthcoming academic year 2007/8.
The university’s website does not contain any information regarding the closure of the academic institution. Should the university fail to obey the government’s decision, the infraction is to be communicated to the authorities and police, which have the power to force closure of the establishment.
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