Breaking: Public Prosecutor Accuses Police Officer of Homicide in Odair Moniz Case

Public Prosecutor's Accusation

The Public Prosecutor (MP) has formally accused a police officer from the PSP of homicide in connection with the death of Odair Moniz in the Cova da Moura neighborhood of Amadora, Lisbon. This statement was confirmed by the officer's lawyer, Ricardo Serrano Vieira.

Details of the Case

According to Vieira, "an accusation for a crime of homicide has been filed" against his client. He plans to review the case and consider whether to request an instruction phase, which allows a criminal judge to decide how to proceed with the case.

Suspension Requested

The MP has also requested the suspension of the officer's duties while the investigation continues. A statement published today explained that the accused should "await further proceedings under the measure of suspension from exercising the profession of PSP officer".

Officer's Current Status

The officer involved has been transferred from his station and is currently on sick leave, with no set date for his return to work.

Presumption of Innocence

In response to the accusations, the PSP reiterated the importance of the "presumption of innocence" in a democratic state like Portugal. They emphasized that the case is currently under "judicial secrecy", limiting their comments.

Incident Overview

Odair Moniz, a 43-year-old Cape Verdean citizen, was shot by a PSP officer in the early hours of October 21 and later died at São Francisco Xavier Hospital. The official PSP version claims that Moniz attempted to escape in a vehicle after seeing a police car and allegedly resisted arrest, attempting to assault officers with a knife.

Calls for Accountability

However, the SOS Racismo association and the Vida Justa movement have challenged the police's narrative, demanding a "serious and impartial investigation" to determine accountability, citing a "culture of impunity" within the police.

Public Unrest

Following the incident, riots erupted in the Zambujal area and other neighborhoods in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, resulting in the burning and vandalism of buses, cars, and trash bins, with approximately twenty arrests made.

Ongoing Investigations

In addition to the judicial process, disciplinary investigations are underway by the Inspection-General of Internal Administration (IGAI) and the PSP.