Lisbon Mosque Construction Controversy: Expropriated Owner Demands Reversal

The ongoing dispute over the expropriation of properties in Lisbon for a mosque construction project has reignited, with the owner demanding a reversal of the process.

Background of the Expropriation

In 2016, the Lisbon City Council expropriated two buildings on Rua do Benformoso as part of the Mouraria Square project, which included the construction of a mosque. The owner, António Barroso, has consistently opposed the expropriation, arguing that he never consented to it.

Latest Developments

During a recent Lisbon Municipal Assembly meeting, Barroso reiterated his demand for the reversal of the expropriation. He criticized the previous administrations (under PS leadership) for the expropriation and called on the current PSD/CDS-PP led council to rectify the situation.

Filipe Anacoreta Correia, the vice-president of the council, acknowledged that the expropriation process is "consolidated" but did not rule out evaluating a possible reversal, strictly within legal boundaries. He noted that the legal timeframe for requesting a reversal had expired before the current mandate, and no such requests were made by the expropriated owners, only legal challenges regarding the compensation amounts.

Barroso's Plight

Barroso, 72, described his dire economic situation and the deteriorating condition of the expropriated buildings. He announced his intention to stop paying for the buildings' insurance, as they no longer belong to him.

"I will not be silenced," Barroso declared, vowing to continue his fight for justice. His emotional appeal highlighted the personal toll of the prolonged dispute, which he termed as "cruelty."

Legal and Political Implications

The case underscores the complexities of urban development projects and the rights of property owners. With legal appeals still pending, the future of the mosque project remains uncertain, as does the resolution of Barroso's grievances.