Residents of Talude Militar Neighborhood Stand Against House Demolitions: "They'll Have to Kill People Today"

Tension escalates in Loures as residents resist demolition orders

Dezens of residents from the Talude Militar neighborhood in Loures are currently attempting to block the demolition of self-built homes, ordered by the municipality. The situation has become increasingly tense, with riot police stationed at the neighborhood's entrance.

"We're not leaving, they'll have to kill people today," declared one resident, standing firm in front of their home. This comes after municipal services, accompanied by Municipal Police, tried to evacuate people from their houses.

A lawyer from the Vida Justa movement, present at the scene, urged residents to stay inside their homes, emphasizing that there is no judicial warrant for the demolition operations. "People have the right to remain in their homes. If authorities wish to proceed, they'll have to remove them by force," the lawyer stated.

Gonçalo Filipe, also from Vida Justa, highlighted ongoing legal proceedings that should halt the demolitions, criticizing the Loures City Council for its "aggressive approach".

The standoff continues with over a dozen riot police officers facing off against residents, who have formed a barrier approximately 20 meters away. The police have begun forcibly removing residents, escalating the tension further.

By 11:20 AM, some residents had lain down at the neighborhood's entrance, attempting to block demolition vehicles from advancing. The crowd, including men, women, and children, chants for "another solution" and demands a meeting with Loures Mayor Ricardo Leão.