Lisbon Officers Indicted for Abusing Migrants

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Two police officers in Lisbon have been officially charged with torturing migrants and individuals living on the streets, as Portuguese officials announced on Friday.

In custody since their arrest last July, these officers are facing allegations that include torture, cruelty, and abuse of their power. One officer is additionally charged with rape, robbery, and forgery.

As noted in an indictment by Lisbon Prosecutor Felismina Franco, one instance involved a Moroccan immigrant who was severely beaten for hours within a police facility. During this incident, the victim was compelled to kiss the officers' boots as one yelled in English, "Welcome to Portugal!"

“The victims were systematically selected from vulnerable populations, including the homeless and economically disadvantaged,” stated the prosecutor. “These actions represent sheer and unnecessary violence against individuals who cannot defend themselves.”

The Interior Ministry condemned these acts, emphasizing their disapproval and asserting that such behavior does not reflect the majority of police conduct.

An independent investigation by the General Inspectorate has been initiated to explore potential further abuses by police personnel.

Amnesty International Portugal has criticized the online sharing of images and messages related to these abuses, noting an alarming sense of impunity. They have welcomed the internal reporting of these crimes and called for enhanced oversight, which includes increased surveillance within police environments and the use of body cameras for officers during public interactions.