An incident confirmed by the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (UCP) and PSP occurred around 22:30 within the university’s premises, involving four alleged assailants. It reportedly began when one of them harassed the student’s girlfriend, triggering the altercation, according to a source close to the victim’s family.
As described, while defending his girlfriend, the student was unexpectedly put in a chokehold by a second assailant and then knocked unconscious by a punch from a third assailant.
While on the ground, the victim was kicked in the head by all four youths in what was termed a “brutal and disproportionate” attack by a family source.
With no security personnel present, it was other students who intervened to halt the attackers, as stated by the same source.
The victim was promptly taken to the Unidade de Saúde Local de Matosinhos, where he was diagnosed with facial fractures and serious eye injuries.
Although the PSP was not called at the time of the assault, the victim has since filed a complaint with authorities and underwent forensic examinations at the Instituto de Medicina Legal on Friday.
Despite the victim and assailants being strangers, two of the four assailants have been identified, as noted in a statement released today, describing the attack as “an act of gratuitous and disproportionate violence.”
The family, victim, and friends are now awaiting further developments in the investigation, hoping that the Universidade Católica Portuguesa and the Student Association will take steps to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
When asked about the incident, UCP confirmed awareness of the facts and stated that the matter has been referred to the competent police authorities and that an internal investigation has commenced simultaneously.
“The University condemns any act of violence and reiterates that its campus has permanent security. We are closely monitoring the situation to ensure cooperation with the authorities and ascertain the facts. Our thoughts are with our student, and we have expressed our willingness to provide necessary support to the family,” UCP responded to Lusa.
The institution did not clarify whether new security measures have been implemented following the violence, only noting that the campus has permanent security. However, according to a source close to the victim’s family, campus security did not appear or intervene during the incident.
Contacted by Lusa, the PSP confirmed that an investigation has been launched, with two of the four suspects already identified following the victim’s complaint.
As of now, there is no record of any complaint or communication from the university with the PSP.
The Association of Students of the Faculty of Law at the Universidade Católica Portuguesa (AEFDUCP), contacted about the incident, stated that they neither condone nor tolerate any act of violence and are closely following the situation. They are collaborating with authorities and working alongside UCP’s management as part of the internal process.
