Stand Against Fear: Solidarity Rallies for Actor Attacked by Far-Right Group in Lisbon and Porto

Solidarity rallies in support of actor Adérito Lopes, victim of a "cowardly attack" by a far-right group, are being called for Sunday in Lisbon and Porto. The event, titled "We don't want to live in a country of fear", is set to take place at 16:00 in front of Teatro A Barraca in Lisbon and at 18:00 at Praça da Batalha in Porto. Organized by civil society, the rallies are being promoted by various associations and artistic groups, including SOS Racismo and Plateia - Associação de Profissionais das Artes Cénicas.

Adérito Lopes, a member of the theater company A Barraca, was attacked on Tuesday night by a far-right group while entering a free-entry performance honoring Camões. According to Maria do Céu Guerra, the company's director, the actors were confronted by a group displaying xenophobic slogans, leading to a violent altercation that left Lopes with a serious eye injury and a cut on his face, requiring hospital treatment.

"This cowardly attack by the neo-Nazi group on Adérito Lopes is not an isolated case," the rally organizers stated. "We know this wave of attacks on migrants, racialized people, workers, the poor, and cultural workers will not stop here. It's growing, fueled by judicial impunity, silence, and economic inequality."

The organizers emphasized the importance of standing together to combat inequality and protect fundamental rights, including freedom of expression. Maria do Céu Guerra also highlighted the tragic irony of the attack occurring on the 30th anniversary of the neo-Nazi murder of Alcindo Monteiro, lamenting that Portugal has yet to find a way to defend itself against such ideologies.

A PSP source reported that a 20-year-old suspect was apprehended following the attack, with the victim receiving immediate medical attention and being transported to the hospital.