24 Oct 2024 | 12:31 PM UTC
Portugal: Increased security likely in Lisbon through late October amid incidents of violence, protests following police shooting
Violent incidents, protests, and increased security likely in Lisbon, Portugal, through late October in response to Oct. 21 police shooting.
Police in Lisbon will likely implement 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. Demonstrations and violence, including the burning of public buses and private vehicles, first broke out in multiple central and northern districts of Lisbon on Oct. 21 before spreading to additional districts on 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 on Oct. 23-24.
As of Oct. 24, police have deployed additional units in patrol vehicles and will likely maintain this and other unspecified increased security measures until unrest abates. 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 over the coming days. Activist groups, including SOS Racismo and Vida Justa, plan to protest on Marques de Pombal Square in central Lisbon at 15:00 Oct. 26. Organizers will denounce police brutality. Several thousand activists could attend the gathering.
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. Leave the area at the first sign of a security disturbance; if unable to 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; protests may spike in the coming days and weeks as information emerges from the investigative process.
