Mariana Mortágua Calls for Action: Immigrants' 'Cry of Revolt' Against Police Operations in Lisbon

Protest Against Police Operations in Lisbon

During a recent visit to Rua do Benformoso in Martim Moniz, Lisbon, Mariana Mortágua, leader of the Left Bloc (BE), expressed concern over a prevailing 'shame' felt by immigrants following a police operation conducted by the PSP on December 19. She described the upcoming protest on January 11 as a 'cry of revolt'.

Mortágua stated, “What we hear is that, besides fear, there is a feeling of shame among people who have worked their entire lives, immigrated for a better life, pay their taxes, and suddenly find themselves cornered without reason and searched without suspicion.” She criticized what she sees as the manipulation of security forces.

Media Attention and Community Sentiment

When asked if the complaints from immigrants are related to the increased media focus on Rua do Benformoso, Mortágua clarified that the community's frustration stems not from media attention but from its use as a platform for hate campaigns and racism.

She emphasized that all communities are aware of the political exploitation of their lives and struggles for political gain and hate campaigns. The protest, themed “Don’t Push Us Against the Wall,” aims to unite various political figures, social movements, and immigrant communities in their quest for justice.

Calls for Better Treatment of Immigrants

Mortágua pointed out that immigrants are facing increasing hardships, stating, “These people want a calmer life. However, the government is only making their lives more difficult.” She reiterated her view that the PSP operation was carried out with disproportionate force and criticized the lack of access to documentation for immigrants, which she described as a significant barrier to their integration.

Issues with Police Response

Additionally, she highlighted the inequality in police response, noting instances where immigrants call for help but do not receive assistance due to their nationality. “When there’s a broken window and they call the police, they can’t get a response. They state their name, and if it’s clear they are from Pakistan or Bangladesh, the authorities don’t come to assist,” she criticized.

In light of these events, a complaint has been lodged with the Justice Ombudsman, gathering over 700 signatures to investigate the legitimacy of police actions.