Portuguese police dismantle housing protest camps in Lisbon and Porto – 55 arrested
Portuguese police dispersed tent camps in two major cities in the early morning hours, arresting 55 people. In Lisbon, protesters resisted and batons were used.
Police operation against housing protest camps in two cities
Via Delfi.ee: Portuguese police dismantled housing crisis protest camps at Rossio Square in Lisbon and Dom João I Square in Porto before 6 a.m. on Thursday. During the coordinated operation, a total of 55 people were arrested after they refused to leave.
Protesters were warned beforehand about the illegality of the tent camps and were given five to ten minutes to end their gathering. The Porto operation proceeded largely peacefully – despite initial signs of resistance, dozens of demonstrators ultimately complied with the authorities' orders.
In Lisbon, resistance was considerably more forceful. Protesters formed a human chain and threw objects at officials, whereupon authorities used batons. A police special unit cleared all demonstrators from the square. Two people were injured and received immediate treatment. Approximately 230 tents were confiscated from the scene.
Housing protests began over a week ago in Porto, subsequently spreading to Lisbon. The Lisbon movement has announced a new protest the same evening – according to organisers, the demonstrations will not end until all participants have housing. Porto protesters have also expressed their intention to return to the square; police have consequently begun installing metal barriers to block access.
Portugal is struggling with one of Europe's most severe housing crises: both purchase and rental prices have doubled since 2017. The crisis is hitting major cities hardest, where in addition to housing problems, opposition to excessive tourism has also grown. Events in Portugal mirror recent housing protests in neighbouring Spain and coincide with unrest in France, Belgium and Italy.
Source: Google News EE — Crime (et)