A public online petition is calling for the creation of a “statue” and a “bust” of Manuel Gonçalves, known as ‘Manu,’ who died after being stabbed multiple times outside a bar in Braga, as a tribute to the young man.
“In the early hours of April 12, 2025, Braga lost more than a son. Portugal lost a true hero,” the petition states.
The petition explains that ‘Manu’ “was brutally murdered after doing what so many ignore: protecting,” after he reported to bar security that the drinks of two women had been tampered with.
“Today, we are not just talking about a victim. We are talking about someone who died for a principle. Who chose good, even knowing it could cost him everything. A young man with honor in his heart, a pure soul, and a sense of justice greater than fear,” it continues.
“This petition is a call to collective conscience” and “a demand that the Portuguese State and the Braga City Council” “officially acknowledge the incomparable act of courage.”
“We ask for the creation of a statue in honor of Manu in his city – Braga – as an eternal symbol of his sacrifice and bravery. At the same time, a bust erected in the National Pantheon, explaining his act of bravery,” the statement reads.
The petition calls for “the statues to be more than stone or bronze,” that “they be a living memory” and that “they inspire every young person not to be silent in the face of injustice.”
“Manu did not die in vain. He lives in every woman he saved. He lives in every act of courage his name will inspire,” it concludes.
There is also another online petition calling for “the permanent closure of the Academic Bar of the University of Minho.”
“The Academic Bar is currently closed. But we cannot accept that it reopens as if nothing had happened. We cannot allow Manu’s death to become just another forgotten, muffled, ignored case,” it reads.
The homicide occurred in the early hours of April 12 and began with a report of adulterated alcoholic drinks at the Academic Bar in Braga. It is known that Manuel Gonçalves reported a group trying to spike the drinks of some young women.
The victim, a 12th-grade student, alerted security to the situation, which led to the expulsion of the suspect – now detained – and his friends. It was outside that a brawl ensued in which the victim was stabbed multiple times. Manuel Gonçalves was taken to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries due to their severity.
