Internal Security Observatory Supports Police Actions Amidst Controversy in Lisbon's Martim Moniz

Internal Security Observatory's Validation of Police Actions

The Internal Security Observatory has validated the police actions that took place last Thursday at Martim Moniz in Lisbon, which faced sharp criticism from various left-wing parties and commentators.

In a statement from its president, Luís Marques Fernandes, the private association dedicated to studying security issues attributes the surge of criticism against the police to the public's ignorance of the authorities' operational procedures and ideological biases. The sight of dozens of immigrants being searched against the wall sparked outrage. Amnesty International has expressed concerns about how such actions could legitimize xenophobic and violent discourse.

Critique of Public Understanding

The Observatory argues that "the average citizen is not obliged to know or understand the operational procedures of security forces." This ignorance sometimes leads to criticisms based on subjective interpretations or political motivations. They note that when police actions are marked by a more visible and vigorous approach, it can cause discomfort among the public unfamiliar with police protocols.

Context of Police Operations

The operation at Martim Moniz was conducted in cooperation with the Public Prosecutor's Office, and so far, there is no evidence that any illegality occurred during it. The area has seen a significant number of violent crimes, including robberies and even a homicide, which justified a more forceful intervention by the authorities.

The police reported that in the past two years, there were 52 incidents of violent crimes in the area. The Observatory emphasizes that certain procedures, which may seem excessive initially, aim to prevent risk situations from escalating into violence or even the use of lethal force. This may involve measures such as searching individuals against a wall.

Support for Police Practices

Luís Fernandes believes that the police's actions, which were not aimed at mass arrests, adhered to international best practices for police intervention, following guidelines from organizations like Interpol and FBI. Despite the modest outcomes of the operation (two arrests involving weapons), the Observatory maintains that it contributes to the perception of safety in the country.

Community Response

On the following Saturday, Rua do Benformoso was filled with over a hundred people demonstrating solidarity with the immigrant community living and working there. All left-wing parties in parliament were present to criticize the manner in which the police operation was conducted.

In an upcoming interview, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, the president of the Assembly of the Republic, absolved the Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Administration from responsibility for any inappropriate police behavior, stating that operational conduct is managed by the respective forces.

He firmly stated, "The perception of insecurity, in a dispersed manner, is a reality."