Pedophile charges against 2 dropped

LISBON, Portugal, May 31 (UPI) -- A Portuguese judge Monday dropped child molestation charges against two men and reduced the charges against eight others in a case that rocked the country.

Defense lawyers told reporters outside the Lisbon courthouse the charges had been dropped against comedian and talk show host Herman Jose and former Socialist Party spokesman Paulo Pedroso, who lost his job after the scandal broke in 2002.

CNN reported the attorney for the alleged victims said he would appeal the decision.

The case stemmed from a purported pedophile ring allegedly led by Casa Pia children's home employee Carlos Silvino. Some 100 boys allegedly were molested. Charges against Silvino were not affected by Monday's ruling.