In a response sent to news agency Lusa, the IGAI explained that, “following publicly released reports and images, the opening of an administrative inquiry was ordered to establish the circumstances” surrounding both police interventions, which resulted in injuries.

The aim of the inquiry will be to “assess the procedures adopted”, the IGAI added.

The body responsible for overseeing police activities also said it was awaiting information requested from the national directorate of the Public Security Police (PSP) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding a police intervention on 15 October. In addition to the IGAI inquiry, that incident also prompted the Public Prosecutor’s Office to open an investigation.

In the early hours of 25 October, the PSP dispersed housing rights protests in Lisbon and Porto using batons and police dogs, following more than two hours of tension and repeated orders for people to leave and tents to be removed.

The demonstrators refused to comply with the orders, invoking their constitutional right to protest.

According to the PSP, a total of 33 people were injured and 33 were arrested for disobedience. In a statement, the organisations behind the encampments reported dozens of injuries.

The demonstrators are demanding the reversal of the new rental law, an end to demolitions and evictions without alternative accommodation, restrictions on property acquisitions by real estate funds, an increase in public housing, the conversion of vacant properties into homes and rental caps at “genuinely affordable” levels.

Left-wing political parties criticised the police intervention, calling on Prime Minister Luís Montenegro to provide explanations and requesting action from President António José Seguro. Only the governing PSD party defended the police response.


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