Protesters Plan Police Operation Reenactment in Lisbon's Avenues Novas to Highlight Injustice

This Friday, individuals will be 'leaned against the wall' in the Avenidas Novas area of Lisbon, but not due to police action. The organizers of the protest "Don't Lean Us Against the Wall" have decided to "demonstrate how a police operation similar to the one in Benformoso would unfold in Avenidas Novas" to assess the public's reaction if images similar to those from Martim Moniz were captured in other parts of the capital.

Purpose of the Reenactment

The organization clarifies that the intention is to "recreate" what happened at Martim Moniz, but in a location with fewer "poor workers and immigrants," specifically on Avenida de Roma. Miguel Garcia explains that this will be a form of peaceful, orderly, and democratic protest, raising awareness for the demonstration scheduled for Saturday, January 11, which will traverse the streets of Lisbon from Alameda Afonso Henriques to Martim Moniz.

Message of Dignity

In a statement sent to the press, the organizers assert that the police operation on December 19 at Martim Moniz served to "humiliate people who live and work" in that area, "forcing them to be pressed against the wall for long minutes." They pose the question: "What if suddenly the people living and working in other areas of the city were leaned against the wall? What would our reaction be?" This statement emphasizes that all individuals living and working in Portugal deserve to be treated with dignity. Furthermore, it stresses that the defense of security should not equate to the "instrumentalization of the police" or to a "discriminatory repression" of working-class populations, the poor, immigrants, and racialized individuals who "produce a significant part of the country's wealth."

Response to Counter-Protests

When asked by Observador about a vigil organized by Chega on the same day titled "for authority and against impunity," the organizer responded that, as long as it occurs peacefully, orderly, and within constitutional rules, "everyone has the right to protest." He remarked that it seems somewhat redundant since it appears to support the police, which they also believe deserves better conditions. He added that their protest focuses on opposing racism and xenophobia, critiquing this specific type of police action as "instrumentalized by the government."

Meeting with Police

The organizers of "Don't Lean Us Against the Wall" will also meet with the PSP (Public Security Police) this Thursday to discuss the police's opinion on Chega's vigil and whether it complies with necessary regulations, including notifying the Lisbon City Council.