Two Arrested in Lisbon Riots: Details Unveiled on Charges and Background

Two young individuals arrested on Monday for their alleged involvement in the riots in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area (AML) following the death of Odair Moniz have been placed in preventive custody, as announced by the PSP (Public Security Police) on Wednesday.

The suspects, both around 18 years old, faced their initial judicial interrogation and were subjected to preventive detention as a coercive measure. According to police sources, they are accused of property crimes committed during the riots in October, specifically in the neighborhoods of Portela and Barronhos in Carnaxide, located within the municipality of Oeiras.

One suspect was apprehended early Monday morning at his home in Amadora, while the other was detained later at around 11:00 AM in Carnaxide.

Additionally, on Tuesday, two men in their 30s were also placed in preventive custody for attempted homicide and aggravated robbery, following their arrest in Algés, Oeiras, during the same police operation, although they are involved in a separate case. One of these individuals is suspected of qualified attempted homicide, aggravated robbery, and driving without a license, while the other is implicated in aggravated robbery with a knife, and was arrested in the Portela neighborhood. Cocaine and a spring knife were also seized during this operation.

The police operation, named “Ares,” began at 7:00 AM on Monday across Oeiras and Amadora, executing seven search warrants at residences and four warrants for arrest in connection with two investigations led by the Criminal Investigation Squad of the Oeiras Police Division.

Odair Moniz, a 43-year-old Cape Verdean residing in the Zambujal neighborhood of Amadora, was shot by a PSP officer on the morning of October 21 in the Cova da Moura neighborhood, leading to his death shortly thereafter. His death sparked riots in several neighborhoods across Greater Lisbon for several nights.