An official from the Lisbon City Council responded to inquiries regarding a protest at Martim Moniz, stating that, “as always in these situations,” the municipality “will follow the recommendation and assessment of the PSP, which deemed the security conditions insufficient, citing that such initiatives ‘compromise public order and tranquility.'”
The PSP explained its negative opinion to the municipality, citing “demonstrations/gatherings scheduled for the same time and geographical area” with “distinct and opposing ideological goals” and the necessity to “ensure public order and tranquility.”
The political party Ergue-te and the movement Habeas Corpus announced a protest featuring a “pig roast” to be held at Martim Moniz on Friday afternoon, an event supported by the far-right group 1143, led by Mário Machado.
Simultaneously, the traditional parade celebrating April 25th is set to take place on Avenida da Liberdade, just a few hundred meters away.
Contacted by Lusa on Wednesday, the city council led by Carlos Moedas (PSD) emphasized that “as is always the case in these situations, the risk assessment and any decisions regarding security conditions are defined by the PSP,” and that “manifestation conditions in the city are determined based on security force opinions.”
Initially, the PSP had given a positive opinion to the far-right group’s gathering; however, upon learning of opposing manifestations planned for the same time and location (details unspecified in provided information), a new risk assessment was conducted.
In the statement released today, the PSP highlighted that while the Constitution allows for the right of assembly and demonstration, the regulation stipulates that such gatherings are only permitted “for purposes not contrary to the law, morality, individual or collective rights, and public order and tranquility.”
It further clarified that “the police have undertaken extensive data collection, including from open sources,” to “continuously assess the potential risks associated with the planned events” scheduled for Friday in Lisbon.
