Although he had little formal education, Artur Santos was made the editor the local newspaper Ouriense, in which he displayed his anti-monarchical and anti-religious opinions.

This position was essentially an appointed mayor, a delegate of the central government who was tasked with, among other things, maintaining public order.

It carried with it the additional titles of President of the Municipal Chamber (the town hall),[6] and Judge Substitute of Comarca.

He was especially hostile with regards to the apparitions and repeatedly sent law enforcement officials to seek to impede public access to the site.

Years later, Lucia would recall how the three had been jailed,[8] and that Santos had threatened the children with being boiled in oil unless they revealed to him the secret which they had reported receiving from the Lady.