Mass Protests Across Portugal Condemn Racism and Neo-Nazi Violence

Hundreds gathered in Lisbon, Porto, and Coimbra this Sunday to stand against racism and violence, following the attack on actor Adérito Lopes by a group linked to neo-Nazis. The protests, under the slogan "We don't want to live in a country of fear", were organized by civil society groups, artistic collectives, and associations including SOS Racismo and Artistas Unidos.

In Lisbon, the crowd assembled in front of the theater A Barraca, where Lopes was attacked. The event saw the participation of notable figures such as the PCP's general secretary, Paulo Raimundo, and Bloco de Esquerda leader, Mariana Mortágua. Protesters held signs and chanted against discrimination, filling Largo de Santos with a mix of outrage and solidarity.

Porto witnessed a similar scene at Praça da Batalha, where cultural figures voiced their support for the victims of recent attacks, highlighting that the assault on Lopes was not an isolated incident. Meanwhile, in Coimbra, demonstrators echoed the call for unity against hate.

The protests come in the wake of a series of violent acts attributed to neo-Nazi groups, including an attack in Guimarães that left one injured. Adérito Lopes, who required hospital treatment after being assaulted, has demanded a thorough investigation into the attack, emphasizing the violation of constitutional rights.

The Ministry of Public has opened an inquiry into the incidents, with legal representatives advocating for the cases to be treated as hate crimes. The attacker, who has distanced himself from neo-Nazi affiliations, claims the assault was fueled by alcohol and a perceived insult.