“An initial turnout of 500 people was expected, but the final count reached 3,000, and I am confident that this number was exceeded,” a police source stated at the conclusion of the demonstration, which reached Rossio at 16:55.
Joana Mortágua, sister of the Left Bloc MP and coordinator Mariana Mortágua, who has been detained in Israel since October 1, also took part in the rally.
Declining to comment on the ongoing case, Joana Mortágua confirmed to the agency that the latest news she had about her sister and the other three Portuguese detainees in Israel was from Friday.
“Despite all international pressure, Israel bombed Gaza again today,” she noted.
Former Left Bloc leader Francisco Louçã and the Portuguese Communist Party’s presidential candidate, António Filipe, were among those present at the protest.
Francisco Louçã told the agency that the movement advocating for a free Palestine has gained “enormous global traction.”
“Stopping this movement against the Israeli government is impossible, as seen in demonstrations across Europe,” he said.
Louçã emphasized that there has been no information since Friday regarding the Portuguese detainees involved in the Global Freedom Flotilla.
Criticism of Portugal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, was vocalized during speeches at Praça D. Pedro IV, Rossio, in Lisbon, with accusations of “aligning” with Israel’s “murderous government.”
Previously, chants during the march through Lisbon included “Paulo Rangel, Paulo Rangel, Israel’s pawn.”
Palestinian Serena Sabat, one of the speakers at Rossio, called attention to the “genocide” perpetrated by Israel against the Palestinian people, insisting that the “entire world” must not continue to allow such actions.
“Free our people, Paulo Rangel” and “Free Palestine” were prominent slogans during the final speeches of the demonstration, with participants remaining active in Rossio.
At the intersection of Rua Áurea and Rua da Conceição, a bystander provoked protesters, prompting immediate police intervention to form a barrier and prevent any altercations.
Demonstration organizers also quickly appealed for calm, emphasizing the event’s peaceful intentions.
“Now, now, now that we are together/ now that we are seen/ down with Zionism, it will fall, it will fall/ and long live resisting Palestine,” was chanted in Rossio amidst applause.
“Occupy, block, for Palestine” was another slogan heard from demonstrators in Rossio, as Palestinian flags were waved, alongside some from the Left Bloc.
