Police Officer Apologizes in Court for Fatal Shooting of Odair Moniz, Claims Self-Defense

The trial of a Public Security Police officer accused of fatally shooting Odair Moniz began this Wednesday at the Central Criminal Court of Sintra, with the defendant expressing remorse while maintaining his self-defense claim.

Officer's Apology and Testimony

From the defendant's bench, 28-year-old Bruno Pinto stated: "I would like to apologize to the family and friends. I believe this isn't easy for anyone."

The officer also expressed disagreement with the facts presented in the indictment, according to Lusa news agency.

Bruno Pinto reiterated his claim that the victim threatened him with a knife: "If I weren't questioned so many times about the knife, for me there would be no doubt whatsoever."

The defendant maintained he saw a blade in the waist area of Odair Moniz.

Fatal Incident Details

Odair Moniz, a 43-year-old Cape Verdean national residing in Zambujal neighborhood, Amadora, was fatally shot on October 21, 2024, in Cova da Moura neighborhood.

According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, Moniz was hit by two bullets: the first projectile, which struck the chest, was fired from a distance of 20 to 50 centimeters, and the second, in the groin area, from between 75 centimeters and one meter.

The indictment from January 29, 2025, states the shots were fired after Odair allegedly attempted to flee from PSP officers and resisted arrest. However, no threat involving a bladed weapon was verified.

Legal Consequences and Community Impact

Agent Bruno Pinto faces a prison sentence of 8 to 16 years.

The death of Odair Moniz one year ago sparked a wave of protests in Lisbon's peripheral neighborhoods.

Community Response and Memorial

Last Saturday, a group of activists supported by Zambujal residents unveiled a mural honoring Odair Moniz - the artwork also includes three other deceased young people from the same neighborhood.

"He was a very beloved person, not only in our community but in several communities," stated José Carlos, one of the initiative's promoters, quoted by Lusa.

The activist from the Vida Justa collective emphasized that in Zambujal neighborhood, "police interventions are conducted differently and are somewhat more aggressive, and that really is a factor that bothers us".

"We took the opportunity of this tribute to honor other young people the neighborhood has lost, and this is also a way to show that neighborhoods aren't just the image of violence that the media portrays," he added.

The activists also distributed a book titled "Manual for Surviving Police Interventions," which outlines citizens' rights and what should be expected from officers' behavior.