In a telephone interview, Miguel Coelho, a member elected by the Socialist Party (PS), explained that an incident occurred while he was visiting polling stations to ensure the voting process was proceeding smoothly.
“At one of the locations in Alfama, while people were waiting in line to vote, I went in to greet them, and an individual began shouting insults at me,” he recounted.
“Then he gave me an open-handed push to the face and knocked me to the ground,” Coelho added.
He stated that he did not sustain any visible injuries, noting that he was immediately supported by those present.
“I have many witnesses,” he said, confirming that he recognized the individual who assaulted and insulted him.
“He left right away, but I know who he is,” Coelho emphasized, adding that he had filed a complaint with the police, although he had not had any previous similar incidents with the individual.
The spokesperson for the Public Security Police (PSP) confirmed that officers were called to the scene, but the suspect was no longer present.
“We identified the victim and two witnesses,” stated sub-intendant Sérgio Soares, mentioning that an official report was prepared and will be submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The PSP noted that the incident took place around 11:15 a.m. at a Finance Department office, which had been converted into a polling station, on Rua Terreiro do Trigo.
The PSP also clarified that Miguel Coelho has not yet filed a formal complaint, nor is he required to do so immediately since, in the case of a semi-public crime, he has 180 days to formalize the complaint at a police station or with the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
In the meantime, “nothing happens” to the suspect, clarified the sub-intendant.
Hours after the incident, in statements to journalists, the president of the Santa Maria Maior parish council referred to the event as an “incident” and stressed the importance of celebrating democracy.
Shortly after the incident, Miguel Coelho posted a brief message on his personal Facebook page, stating that he had been assaulted by an individual who claimed to be a voter of the Chega party and who used racist and discriminatory language to insult him for being “friends” with a particular ethnic group.
Updated at 3:37 PM
