Thousands of people gathered in downtown Lisbon on Saturday to protest against police violence, following the recent shooting of Odair Moniz, a 43-year-old Cape Verdean resident. The demonstration, organized by the rights group Vida Justa, highlighted ongoing concerns about police brutality and systemic racism in Portugal.
The protest was ignited by the tragic death of Odair Moniz, who was shot by a police officer in the Cova da Moura neighborhood. According to police reports, Moniz allegedly attempted to flee and resisted arrest, leading to the fatal encounter. However, many community members and activists contest this narrative, calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The demonstration began at Marquês de Pombal and proceeded to Praça dos Restauradores, where participants held a moment of silence for Moniz. Many carried flags representing Cabo Verde, Moniz’s country of origin, and shouted slogans demanding justice. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as speakers addressed the crowd, emphasizing the need for accountability and reform within the police force.
The protest occurred amid rising tensions in Portugal regarding police conduct, particularly towards marginalized communities. The United Nations has previously expressed concern over the excessive use of force by police against people of African descent in Portugal.