The number of hate crimes in Portugal increased by 38 percent in 2023, compared to 2022, according to data collected by Lusa from the PSP and GNR.
In total, the authorities recorded 347 crimes of discrimination and incitement to hatred in 2023, 77 more cases than in the previous year, an increase that is most evident in the area under the GNR’s jurisdiction.
In the PSP area, the number of crimes of discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence rose from 201 in 2022 to 231 in 2023 (an increase of 15%).
In the GNR area, the number of crimes against cultural identity and personal integrity, the framework for hate crime, rose from 69 records in 2022 to 116 in 2023 (68% more).
According to the GNR, Portugal “does not have a legal definition of hate crimes”, but article 240 of the Penal Code “penalizes discrimination and incitement to hatred and violence, with a prison sentence for these criminal offenses”.
On the other hand, homicide and physical integrity offenses will now be classified as crimes in cases of “racial, religious, political hatred or hatred generated by the victim’s color, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity”.
Among the cases that can be classified as hate crimes are “crimes against cultural identity and personal integrity”, namely “crimes of racial and religious discrimination, torture and other cruel, degrading or inhuman treatment, and other crimes against cultural identity and personal integrity”, adds the GNR.
The security force also pointed out that this type of crime is “particularly complex” and that it is not always possible to classify it because “there is no specific computer processing for this type of crime”.
