Lisbon Unrest: Arrests and Injuries Amidst Protests

The news in Portuguese

Translation

There were disturbances in Lisbon following the death of Odair Moniz at the hands of a police officer. Twenty-one people were arrested, and many were injured. Cars and buses were set on fire. The police are investigating the incident and planning peaceful demonstrations. The community is calling for transparency, while the police officers are demanding better working conditions.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Who was Odair Moniz and what happened to him?

Odair Moniz was a person who died after being shot by a police officer.

Question 2: What does the community request following the unrest?

The community is asking for transparency.

Exercise: Vocabulary

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▌26/10/2024

The recent disturbances in the Greater Lisbon area have resulted in significant damage and numerous arrests. According to the Police of Public Security (PSP), a total of 123 incidents have been recorded since October 21st, leading to the detention of 21 individuals. These events unfolded after the controversial police shooting of Odair Moniz, a Cape Verdean national, which triggered widespread protests.

The clashes have left two police officers injured due to stone-throwing, while five civilians suffered injuries from stabbings and burns. Moreover, significant material damage was reported, with police vehicles, buses, and civilian cars being set on fire. A police station also faced an attack with pyrotechnic devices.

The PSP emphasized their commitment to facilitating two planned demonstrations in Lisbon, balancing the objectives of the event organizers with public safety. However, they made it clear that they would not tolerate any criminal activity designed to undermine state authority or community safety.

The incidents have sparked a response from the ASPP/PSP (Association of Police Professionals), which condemned what it sees as opportunistic and alarmist coverage by the media and political entities. They urged the public and media to wait for the outcomes of ongoing investigations before jumping to conclusions or sensationalizing the events.

Lisbon Unrest: Arrests and Injuries Amidst Protests (Illustration)

Criticism from the ASPP/PSP also highlights systemic issues within the police force, pointing to inadequate investment in community policing, insufficient staffing, and poor working conditions as factors that complicate their duties. They reiterated a long-standing appeal for better equipment and resources to aid police operations.

In response to the events, the Minister of Internal Administration has announced that both the PSP and Internal Administration Inspectors are conducting thorough inquiries. The agent involved in the shooting has been formally charged, and the investigation seeks to clarify the circumstances surrounding Moniz's death.

Amid the chaos, potential changes in leadership roles within the Portuguese intelligence and internal security services have been put on hold. It is speculated that the sensitivity of the situation has led to a cautious approach to these decisions, as described by political insiders.

These developments continue to unfold, with community leaders and activists calling for transparency and accountability, while local authorities work to restore order and address community grievances.

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