Social worker António Brito Guterres expressed concerns over the continued classification of certain urban areas as sensitive by police without clear justification. He voiced these concerns during an interview marking the first anniversary of Odair Moniz’s death, which occurred on October 21, 2024, in Cova da Moura. Moniz was shot by a police officer, whose trial begins on Wednesday.
António Brito Guterres also lamented the lack of public policy changes related to the racism he believes is linked to Moniz’s death. He noted a significant increase in civic engagement from residents in similar communities following the incident.
“In the weeks following Odair Moniz’s death, there was a noticeable media presence of people from these communities,” he observed. However, he regretted that the media attention quickly faded and has not been sustained as a regular focus.
The social activist highlighted that residents of these areas are often excluded from public policy decisions that impact their lives. “While there is now more local participation, there remains a disconnect with political forces who fail to include these voices in decision-making,” he stated.
Brito Guterres pointed out that the past year has also brought insight into Portugal’s shifting political landscape, marked by the rise of the far-right in Parliament. “Vulnerable groups, including immigrants and black individuals, have become scapegoats for political gain,” he remarked.
He criticized not only the right-wing parties but also accused the left of exploiting these communities. “Currently, targeting the vulnerable yields votes,” he emphasized.
The researcher denounced efforts to blame poorer communities for broader societal poverty. “We know that’s false in Portugal,” he stated, adding that tax exemptions for the wealthy have a greater impact on wealth distribution than benefits for the poor.
Odair Moniz, a 43-year-old from Cape Verde living in Bairro do Zambujal, was shot dead by a PSP officer and is set to be tried for homicide starting Wednesday in Sintra court.
