The Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) has launched an investigation into the demolitions of dozens of homes in the Talude Militar neighborhood in Loures, Lisbon district.
The news was confirmed by the Procuradoria-Geral da República, who stated in a release, “Following the information disseminated in recent days by the media, the Public Prosecutor of the Lisbon Norte district decided to open an investigation.”
This inquiry follows Helena Roseta, the author of the Housing Framework Law, announcing to the Lusa agency her intention to file a complaint against the Loures City Council for “abuse of power” concerning the demolition of precarious houses in this neighborhood.
The demolitions involve at least 64 shacks in Loures and the eviction of 161 residents living there in precarious conditions.
The destruction of the buildings commenced on Monday and concluded Tuesday morning. At this juncture, the Lisbon Administrative Circle Court ruled that the Loures City Council was “prohibited from executing the demolition act” concerning buildings in the Talude Militar neighborhood after more than 24 hours of resistance by residents.
During Monday’s demolitions, municipal police supervisor Paula Magalhães confirmed that residents were notified “on Friday.”
Addressing the pressed timeframe which impeded judicial recourse to contest the decision, she responded, “Well, but [over the weekend], they have time to remove their belongings, which is the purpose of the notification.”
The operation at Talude Militar, “under the command of the City Council,” was not the first nor will it be the last, suggesting further demolitions in other neighborhoods in the municipality without specifying.
Conversely, the Vida Justa movement accuses the Loures City Council of obstructing residents’ access to rights in the Talude Militar neighborhood, an assessment supported by an expert in administrative law.
Lusa explained that the notifications initiated the 48-hour period stipulated by law to allow people access to the courts for the defense of legally protected rights and interests.
However, given that this window fell over the weekend, it was concluded by a Vida Justa member supporting at-risk residents that such access was effectively hindered.
This member considers this “an attempt to impede the constitutional right to judicial protection.”
For the past two nights, the families residing in the Talude Militar neighborhood, whose homes were ordered to be demolished, have been sleeping in tents or outdoors, according to a municipal councilor.
[News updated at 19:45]
