Tensions Rise in Lisbon as Three Detained During Unauthorized Protest

Unauthorized Protest in Lisbon Leads to Arrests

On a tense day in Lisbon, Rui Fonseca e Castro, a former judge and leader of the Ergue-te party, was arrested during an unauthorized protest at Largo de São Domingos. The protest, which had not been approved by the Polícia de Segurança Pública (PSP), escalated into violence, leading to confrontations between far-right demonstrators and antifascist activists.

Later, Mário Machado, a neo-Nazi activist and leader of the Grupo 1143, was also detained. Both individuals were released later that evening, with Fonseca e Castro claiming that he had committed no offenses and labeling the police actions as politically motivated.

Police Actions and Injuries

The PSP reported that three arrests were made, with Fonseca e Castro being the first, as he resisted his detention. Two police officers were injured during the clashes, one sustaining injuries to the nose and the other to the hand, requiring hospital treatment.

In a separate incident, Machado was arrested for his involvement in the unrest and allegedly attempting to intimidate a journalist. The protest was marked by vocal opposition, with chants from both sides, including calls for “Salvation” from the supporters of the extreme right and “25 de Abril always, fascism never again” from antifascist protesters.

Clashes and Further Arrests

The situation escalated further, with physical confrontations and objects being thrown, prompting police intervention. The PSP had to separate the opposing groups, ensuring that the extreme-right supporters were contained at Largo de São Domingos while antifascists moved to Praça do Rossio.

Despite the violence, the PSP reported no injuries among the protesters requiring hospitalization, although one individual did come forward to file a complaint after the event.

Aftermath and Official Statements

As tensions eased around 6 PM, the area shifted from chaos to a festive atmosphere, especially as other demonstrators participated in traditional celebrations in Lisbon. Iuri Rodrigues, commander of the PSP’s first division, defended the police's response as adequate, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to maintain order during unauthorized demonstrations.

The protest, originally planned for Praça do Martim Moniz, was moved to Largo de São Domingos, where participants expressed their grievances regarding the police's attempt to disperse them, framing their gathering as a “nationalist gathering”. José Pinto Coelho, former president of the PNR – Partido Nacional Renovador, was also present, voicing concerns over immigration and the preservation of “lusitanian spirit.”