25 Oct 2024 | 12:00 AM UTC
Portugal: Increased security likely in Lisbon through at least late October amid violence and protests related to Oct. 21 police shooting /update 1
Protest activity, increased security, violence likely in Lisbon, Portugal, through late October in response to Oct. 21 police shooting.
Activists are planning to hold competing protests in central Lisbon Oct. 26 within the context of persistent unrest that will probably continue through at least late October. Activist groups, including SOS Racismo and Vida Justa, plan to gather on Marques de Pombal Square in central Lisbon at 15:00 before marching to the Assembly of the Republic. Protest organizers have indicated that the purpose of the demonstration is to denounce police brutality. Additionally, activists affiliated with the Chega party plan to stage a competing protest march "in defense of police" from the Town Square (Praca do Municipio) at 15:00 to the Assembly of the Republic. Several thousand activists could participate in the gatherings.
Police in Lisbon will likely maintain increased security measures over the coming days in response to several days of violent incidents following the Oct. 21 police officer-involved death of a Cabo Verdean national. Related demonstrations and violence, including the burning of public buses and private vehicles, first occurred in multiple central and northern districts of Lisbon on Oct. 21 before spreading to additional districts Oct. 22-24. Affected districts and municipalities in Lisbon include the city center, Almada, Amadora, Arrentela, Barreiro, Moita, Odivelas, Oeiras, Sintra, and Zambujal. Violent unrest spread to Setubal overnight Oct. 23-24.
As of Oct. 25, police have deployed additional units in patrol vehicles and will likely maintain this and other increased security measures until the unrest abates. Transport and business disruptions will likely affect areas subject to protest activity and increased security. Acts of vandalism targeting public buses may impact the availability of transport services over the coming days.
Further planned and unplanned protest actions are likely to occur over the short term. Clashes between protesters and police or between ideologically opposed individuals cannot be ruled out.
Exercise increased caution and personal vigilance in Lisbon until the current wave of protests and associated acts of violence abate; this is particularly relevant at night. Keep away from all demonstrations, as well as any areas where security personnel appear to be deploying. Exercise particular caution in central Lisbon on the afternoon of Oct. 26. Leave the area at the first sign of a security disturbance; if unable to safely do so, seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building until it is safe to depart. Strictly heed the instructions of local authorities. Remain courteous and cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement personnel.
Police stated the Cabo Verdean national was shot after he fled police in a vehicle. When the vehicle was later stopped in the Cova da Moura neighborhood, a scuffle broke out, leading to the death of the individual. An official investigation is underway; protest activity may spike in the coming days and weeks as information emerges from the investigative process.
