The analysis of a proposed amendment to the regulations governing access, circulation, and presence within the Assembly is currently underway. This proposal has been developed by a working group comprising members of the PSP and GNR, stated Anabela Cabral Ferreira in a note sent to the Lusa news agency. The proposal is set to be presented to the board of directors and discussed at a leadership conference.
The current AR regulation is discussed at the leadership conference and “updated whenever a threat level or vulnerability that justifies it is identified,” according to the statement.
The note, justified by the secretary-general of the AR due to published reports about security and circulation rules at the Assembly of the Republic, emphasized that the Parliament building holds “a distinct nature from any other sovereign body, being visited daily by a substantial number of students and citizens wishing to learn about the institution’s functioning.” It also receives guests of parliamentary groups, who are responsible for their entry and movement within the palace.
“The Assembly of the Republic has an access, circulation, and presence regulation within its premises, establishing a security service responsible for the prevention, control, surveillance, protection, and defense of the institution, encompassing its facilities and the individuals working there. This service, directed by a security officer, involves the participation and commitment of the GNR, PSP, and parliamentary assistants,” explained the AR’s secretary-general.
News of the Parliament considering changes in access, circulation, and presence rules was reported after the PJ arrested six members, allegedly part of a violent far-right movement, on Tuesday.
The six detainees, including a PSP chief seconded to the Lisbon Municipal Police, were part of the so-called Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL) and, according to some media outlets, planned to invade the AR and discussed the possibility of occupying the President of the Republic’s official residence.
Of the six detainees charged with terrorist activities and incitement to hatred, four were remanded in custody on Wednesday, while the remaining two were subjected to periodic reporting restrictions.
The PJ seized a range of explosive materials, several firearms, some of which were 3D printed, several 3D printers, dozens of rounds of ammunition, various bladed weapons, and computer equipment, among other pieces of evidence.
“The investigation stemmed from the online detection of indicators of extremist displays by proponents of radical nationalist and far-right ideologies, followers of an anti-system and conspiratorial ideology that incited discrimination, hatred, and violence against immigrants and refugees,” stated the PJ.
According to the PJ, the Movimento Armilar Lusitano aimed to establish itself as a political movement supported by an armed militia.
