For the first time, the Portuguese justice system has convicted a minor of terrorism, and while many details remain unknown due to the individual’s age, some information has emerged.
On Tuesday, it was revealed that the conviction was carried out by the Family and Minor Court of Cascais.
The case involves a 16-year-old boy who allegedly threatened to plant bombs at the Lisbon Mosque. The mosque itself reported the threat to the Judiciary Police (PJ) after receiving emails featuring hate speech against Muslims, including bomb threats to its premises, which is a key mosque for the Portuguese Islamic community.
The investigation, led by the National Counterterrorism Unit, identified the person behind the threats and was reportedly “surprised” by the suspect’s age. The individual is described as “the son of an immigrant mother.”
The case proceeded under the Educational Guardianship Law, which applies when a person aged between 12 and 16 commits an act deemed a crime by law.
Radicalization and Searches
During searches conducted by the PJ, authorities discovered various signs of radicalization and connections to far-right ideology. An analysis of the teenager’s computer confirmed the radicalization.
There were concerns that others might have been attempting to recruit the young man, but this possibility was ruled out. Reports indicate that the minor was not influenced by Portuguese far-right groups and likely self-radicalized by reading websites associated with ‘accelerationism,’ a far-right movement advocating for the acceleration of capitalism and chaos to “overthrow” the existing order.
Where is the Minor?
After his detention, the minor was initially released, but subsequent actions led to stricter supervision.
After appearing before a judge, and due to his age, he was released. However, he was caught sharing parts of the legal proceedings online in posts that displayed a “mocking tone,” particularly towards police and courts.
As a result, the judge reversed the initial decision, ordering his placement in a youth detention center.
PJ Warned of Rising Extremism Last Week
Last week, the national director of the PJ, Luís Neves, expressed concern over the rise of cases tied to radical and violent far-right movements in Portugal, including an armed group dismantled by authorities.
These remarks followed the arrest of six members of the far-right group Movement Armilar Lusitano.
In a press conference, the official also highlighted the increase in hate crimes in Portugal, citing examples such as violence by Sporting fans who set fire to a vehicle carrying Porto fans, resulting in pre-trial detention, and an attack on an actor from the A Barraca theater company by nationalist group members.
The national director of the Judiciary Police (PJ) expressed concern today over the rise in cases related to radical and violent far-right movements in Portugal, following the dismantling of an armed group by authorities.
Lusa | 12:54 – 17/06/2025
