The city of Lisbon in Portugal experienced a second night of riots following the death of Odair Moniz, a Cape Verdean man who was shot and killed by a police officer. The unrest spread to areas like Amadora, where bins and buses were set on fire. The Portuguese police force (PSP) responded by sending additional police to the area and making arrests for possession of combustible materials. The PSP described the situation as a serious episode of urban violence and sent reinforcements to other nearby locations as well.
In addition to Amadora, riots were reported in other municipalities like Oeiras and Sintra, where shots were fired, buses were set on fire, and projectiles were thrown at police stations. The PSP condemned the acts of disorder and destruction by criminal groups and promised to bring those responsible to justice. Three people were arrested for the disturbances, and two police officers were injured as a result of the violence.
The death of Odair Moniz sparked the riots after police officers shot him while attempting to arrest him in the Alto neighborhood of Cova da Moura. The PSP stated that Moniz resisted arrest and tried to assault the officers with a weapon, leading to the use of lethal force. The Polícia Judiciária has launched an investigation into the officer who shot Moniz, and the incident is being looked into by judicial authorities.
Portugal’s President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, expressed concern over the violence in the Lisbon metropolitan area and emphasized the importance of security and public order as democratic values. He called for the preservation of these values while respecting the principles of the democratic rule of law and the rights of citizens. Despite the social, economic, and cultural issues facing Portuguese society, Rebelo de Sousa stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability without resorting to violence.
Following Moniz’s death, residents of the Zambujal neighborhood in Amadora held a vigil and protest outside his home. Moniz, who was known as “Dá” and owned a local café, was well-liked in the community, and residents refused to believe the PSP’s version of events surrounding his death. The president of the neighborhood residents’ association warned that local anger could escalate further if justice is not served. The community expressed their solidarity with Moniz and called for accountability in the handling of his death.
