The recent death of a 43 year old man Odair Moniz in Cova da Moura, Amadora has sparked a wave of riots and disturbances due to a police shooting in Lisbon area. A Cape Verdean resident of Zambujal Moniz was shot by the Public Security Police (PSP) in an attempt to arrest him. The incident has spread anger in local communities and raised serious questions about police actions.
The General Inspectorate of Internal Administration (IGAI) and The Judicial Police (PJ) have started investigations. Activist groups SOS Racismo and Vida Justa are demanding answers. They accused the police of acting with excessive force and impunity.
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Incident In Cova da Moura
The incident happened in the early hours of Monday due to a police shooting in Lisbon. PSP officers reportedly noticed Moniz’s car and started following him when he attempted to escape. According to the police, Moniz drove to the Cova da Moura neighborhood where he tried to resist arrest.
They claim he attacked officers with a bladed weapon and in response, one of the police shot him. Moniz was hit three times and was later declared dead at São Francisco Xavier Hospital in Lisbon.
Many questioned the police’s statement of what happened. Community groups especially SOS Racismo and Vida Justa disputed the official statement and said it did not make sense. They called for a serious and impartial investigation to uncover the full truth.
They said that Moniz’s death reflects a larger issue of police brutality. Vida Justa argued that Moniz’s case shows a culture of impunity among police officers.
Investigations By Police And Judicial Authorities
The PJ quickly began an investigation into both the shooting and the disturbances that followed. The officer involved in the shooting has been named a defendant which allows authorities to further investigate his actions. His service weapon was seized as evidence. Both officers who were present are now on administrative duty and are receiving psychological support.
The PSP also started an internal investigation and has promised to cooperate fully with IGAI which is leading its own independent review. The PSP assured the public that they are committed to a fair and transparent investigation.
Their internal review will examine whether police procedures were properly followed during the incident. This investigation comes in response to the public outcry and demands for police accountability.
Riots And Community Outrage
The Moniz’s death has led to disturbances which started on Monday night in the Zambujal neighborhood where he lived. These disturbances quickly spread to other neighborhoods across Lisbon’s metropolitan area which includes Sintra, Oeiras, Odivelas, Cascais, Almada, and Seixal.
Two Carris buses, seven cars, and various pieces of public property were set on fire on Tuesday night. Vandals also burned trash cans and dumpsters
The PSP reported the arrest of three individuals in connection to these disturbances. Another two arrests were made in Pontinha, Odivelas, on Wednesday night. However the reasons for these arrests remain unclear. The identities of those arrested have not been made public but the PSP said they are continuing their efforts to investigate and prevent further disturbances.
The riots have also led to several injuries. Two police officers were hospitalized after being hit with stones and two bus passengers suffered minor stab wounds. Emergency services worked through the night to contain the damage.
The National Emergency and Civil Protection Authority recorded over a dozen incidents in various areas which includes Queluz, Alfragide, and Mina de Água. Despite a large police presence authorities have faced challenges in restoring calm to the affected neighborhoods.
Activists Reactions About Police Conduct
Community groups, particularly SOS Racismo and Vida Justa, have voiced their concerns regarding police treatment of residents in marginalized communities. These organizations claim that officers often resort to force when dealing with citizens from these areas.
SOS Racismo issued a statement suggesting that Moniz’s death reflects a troubling trend in police practices. They argued that police need to be held accountable for using excessive force and that new measures should be put in place to protect citizens.
Vida Justa shared similar views. They pointed to what they described as unchecked police behavior in Portugal. They argued that an impartial investigation is essential to ensure justice for Moniz and his family.
The involvement of the IGAI and PJ shows the seriousness with which this case is being treated. However, activists stress that real change will require more than just an investigation. They argue that Portugal needs to implement stronger regulations to prevent future incidents and protect citizens from potential abuses.
Meanwhile, the PSP is working to control the riots and prevent further violence. They have stated that they are deploying additional resources to protect both public and private property. Despite this, with reports of fires, vandalism, and arrests, many residents remain fearful about the potential for more unrest.
