A recent gathering in Porto saw around 100 people come together in solidarity with Jhon Kennedy Pereira and Maria Gabriela Carvalho, two Brazilians who were victims of a violent attack. Initially intended as a small gathering at Casa Odara, a cultural center supporting immigrants, the event transformed into a public demonstration against xenophobia, highlighting the growing concerns over violence and discrimination faced by immigrants in Portugal.
Background of the Incident
Jhon Kennedy and Maria Gabriela were assaulted recently, suffering both physical and verbal abuse. The attack has raised alarms within the immigrant community in Porto, prompting a call for solidarity and action against such acts of violence. The manifestation was organized to not only support the victims but also to raise awareness about the broader issue of xenophobia.
The event began at Casa Odara, where organizers expected a small gathering of artists to show their support.
During the event, both Jhon and Maria addressed the crowd from a window for safety reasons, sharing their experiences and the impact of the attack on their lives. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as attendees sang “Odara,” a song by Caetano Veloso, which symbolizes hope and resilience.
