This is an extract from the archiving report.
Finally, it should be noted that an archiving decision may be a fair decision, although of the possible justice, and, especially, to underline heavily that the archiving of the present files does not equal a definite and irreversible closing of the process. This process, as long as the prescription deadline for the possibly committed crimes does reach its term, and if new evidence that justifies it, appears, can always be reopened, officiously or through the request of an assistant, again ordinate to a final decision of accusation or non accusation.
We have more than one case of an unsolved murder in England at least one going back more than 50 years. I am sure the cops were diligent but could not gather enough evidence to charge any one. I am equally sure they would be immeasurably p****d off were it implied that no result = poor investigation.
I don't believe it is a case of the Portuguese cops having done a lousy job. Sometimes it works out as a no result. In my opinion there is a gradual brainwashing of the public by TV that "The Mountie always gets his man". Unfortunately this is not borne out in real life.
I'm not implying Estuarine - and Redblossom - that because the case was closed in Portugal (with the possibility of reopening if new evidence came to light, as you remind us) that meant that the investigation was incompetent.
It is true that there are a lot of unsolved 'mysteries' that have defied investigation.
My initial question was why the case in Portugal was re-opened. Is it, as davel and others suggest, because of pressure from SY and the UK? Can that really be the case? If so, why was it re-opened in Portugal
Before Scotland Yard began their review? Doesn't that suggest Portugal has reasons of its own for re-opening the case?