PORTUGAL SAFETY AND SECURITY REPORT THURSDAY 4^TH DECEMBER 2025

 

Good morning everyone – Storm Claudia, which battered the country two weeks ago, raised the level of Algarve’s reservoirs by 5%, now guaranteeing four years of public water supply – the best record in the last ten years. However, despite the increase in surface reserves, the rain was not enough to reassure half of the region’s citrus growers, who remain dependent on aquifers in critical condition.

In Lobito, Silves, farmers haven’t needed to turn on their irrigation systems for almost a month. The orchards are showing vitality after the rains, but the relief will be short-lived. According to citrus grower José Moreira, the water accumulated in the soil isn’t enough to last more than a few days.

The president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), José Pimenta Machado, confirms an unprecedented milestone with an example that the Funcho reservoir is at 80% capacity in November. Across the six reservoirs in the Algarve, we are at 72% capacity — the best situation in ten years.” The big problem is that the water brought by the storm did not infiltrate enough to replenish the water table, on which half of the Algarve’s citrus farms depend. José Moreira warns that “the water table is very low. It rained a lot, but most of it went into the sea. It was a sudden downpour and it didn’t seep through,” a situation endorsed by APA.

It is noticeable that during the drier days over the last week in the Algarve, many people are taking the opportunity to burning cut and piled waste. Although the fire risk is relatively low it is still important to inform the authorities beforehand, and when the risk is very high or maximum, seek authorisation. In burning cut and piled waste please ensure that you take safe precautions in particular: If possible burn on wet days or when humidity is high starting in the morning as the humidity is usually higher, avoid burning on a windy day, especially if it has a variable direction; have someone with you and have a mobile phone at hand, have a water supply close by, and ensure the fire is properly extinguished before retiring, cover with earth or use water will help.

Remember the person responsible for burning the piles cannot leave the place during the time in which it takes place and until it is duly extinguished and its effective extinction is guaranteed.

However, the weather at present is variable. And in the next few days the temperature will drop. The Directorate-General of Health (DGS) has recommended preventive measures in light of the cold weather forecast, especially in the North region, noting that there is an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, worsening of chronic conditions, and accidents. It is important to follow the recommendations, not only by wrapping up warm, but on the roads as well with IPMA forecasting icy and frost conditions. Please take extra care on the roads

Also with the cold weather there tends to be an increase in urban fires mainly residential buildings. These caused, in many cases, resulting from negligence or non-compliance with safety standards in the use of home equipment. Be aware that most of these fires can be prevented, by: Periodically checking the electrical and gas installations by; regularly cleaning chimneys and exhausts; keeping matches and lighters out of reach of children and avoiding using candles. Also do not overload electrical sockets; turn off appliances that are not in use from sockets and remove flammable objects and products from heat sources. Never smoke in bed or on the sofa if you feel tired or drowsiness.

Have a fire extinguisher at home and teach the whole family how to use it and install carbon monoxide detectors especially if you have a wood burning or gas heater.

Our team at Safe Communities wish you a safe week ahead.

 

Reservoirs in the Algarve have enough water for four years, but aquifers remain critical

Storm Claudia, which battered the country two weeks ago, raised the level of Algarve’s reservoirs by 5%, now guaranteeing four years of public water supply – the best record in the last ten years.

Despite the increase in surface reserves, the rain was not enough to reassure half of the region’s citrus growers, who remain dependent on aquifers in critical condition.

In Lobito, Silves, farmers haven’t needed to turn on their irrigation systems for almost a month. The orchards are showing vitality after the rains, but the relief will be short-lived. According to citrus grower José Moreira, the water accumulated in the soil isn’t enough to last more than a few days.

“The rain was wonderful, but we’ll definitely have to call next week. These fields are very dry and the trees will need it.”

Reservoir storage reaches record levels.

Despite the concerns of citrus growers in Silves, 10 kilometres from the orange groves, the Arade reservoir is approaching 60% of its capacity , after the Funcho reservoir — located upstream — began discharges that usually only occur after winter.

The president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), José Pimenta Machado, confirms an unprecedented milestone:

“The Funcho reservoir is at 80% capacity in November. Across the six reservoirs in the Algarve, we are at 72% capacity — the best situation in ten years.”

Storm Claudia contributed 20 cubic hectometres of water, an increase equivalent to 5% of the region’s total storage capacity.

Just a year and a half ago, the Algarve had reserves for six to seven months of public water supply. Today, that guarantee extends to four years.

Aquifers however remain in crisis: 50% of citrus growers do not benefit from the rain.

The big problem is that the water brought by the storm did not infiltrate enough to replenish the water table, on which half of the Algarve’s citrus farms depend. José Moreira warns:

“The water table is very low. It rained a lot, but most of it went into the sea. It was a sudden downpour and it didn’t seep through.”

The APA confirms the concern. The Querença-Silves Aquifer, responsible for supplying 30 million cubic meters per year to farmers through 6,000 boreholes, has experienced a “very insignificant” recovery.

“There is a great asymmetry between the recovery of reservoirs and groundwater, which is much slower. More rain is needed to alleviate the restrictions on new water withdrawals,” explains José Pimenta Machado.

Citrus growers expect slower and more continuous rainfall in the winter.

Despite the historical record of surface water reserves, the drought in the Algarve is not yet over for those who depend on groundwater. The agricultural sector is waiting for winter—which hasn’t even started yet—to bring gentler and more prolonged rain, essential for replenishing the aquifers.

Until then, the region lives between two contrasting scenarios: dams as full as they haven’t been in a decade, and aquifers that are still depleted.

 

Food collection at Food Bank campaign falls by 2.8%.

The Food Bank’s Christmas campaign has ended, but you can still contribute through vouchers at supermarkets or on their online platform until December 7th.

The Food Bank received 60 tons less in this year’s Christmas campaign compared to last year. The campaign took place over the weekend, with 2,150 tons collected, according to a statement.

The collected food will be distributed starting next week to social solidarity institutions throughout the country, to then be delivered to approximately 380,000 people with food insecurity.

The Food Bank emphasized in the statement that, “in everyday life, there are still people who need help to eat, especially at a time like Christmas.”

“Having the family gathered around a table is a wish that each of us can help to fulfill,” the institution added.

Last year, the campaign managed to collect 2,213 tons of food. Despite this year’s shortfall, the president of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger, Isabel Jonet, quoted in the statement, praised the “ever-present solidarity of the Portuguese people.”

” We cannot fail to highlight the role of the volunteers, people of all ages, with diverse political and religious convictions who, participating side-by-side, contribute in a fraternal and supportive way to a more just and cohesive society,” added Jonet.

This weekend’s in-person campaign involved approximately 42,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 commercial establishments across the country.

Until December 7th, it will continue to be possible to contribute to this cause through vouchers available in supermarkets or on the online platform at www.alimentestaideia.pt.

In 2024, the 21 Food Banks Against Hunger operating in Portugal distributed a total of 27.5 million kilograms of food, an average movement of 109 tons per working day, for an estimated total value exceeding 45 million euros.

 

December brings changes: (very) cold weather, rain, and even snowfall are coming.

Given the change in weather conditions, the Directorate-General of Health recommends preventive measures and reminds the public that there is an increased risk of respiratory illnesses and worsening of chronic conditions.

December has arrived, bringing with it a new change in the weather. The Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) forecasts cold weather across the mainland and rain in some northern regions of the country for the coming days. Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Porto are under a yellow weather warning.

“This is where the front may bring slightly more intense precipitation, in the late afternoon/early evening period today. Afterwards, the front will move further south and inland, but with less activity; it will rain, but without as much intensity, and it does not justify issuing a warning,” adds meteorologist Jorge Ponte, from IPMA.

Minimum temperatures will drop across the country, with those in the North expected to reach sub-zero levels.

“(…) in the higher altitude areas, temperatures will drop below freezing, hence the snowfall,” adds Jorge Pinto, noting that this can happen between 1,000 and 1,200 meters of altitude .

IPMA also warns of the disruption caused by snowfall, with accumulation and possible ice formation, in the districts of Guarda and Castelo Branco.

Improvements are only expected from next Wednesday, December 3rd, a day when a slight rise in temperature is forecast, but rain will still continue in the North and Central regions.

“The pattern for this week is somewhat like this: alternating periods of rain and showers, (…) it will always rain more in the North and Center than in the South,” concludes the meteorologist.

Due to the cold weather, the Directorate-General of Health (DGS) recommends preventive measures and reminds the public that cold weather increases the risk of respiratory illnesses and the worsening of chronic conditions.

“Soup is a fundamental element in hydration because it not only hydrates and warms you, but also because of the vitamins and antioxidants present in the vegetables,” advises João Ramos, a specialist in general and family medicine.

 

The DGS (Directorate-General of Health) also advises dressing in layers, wearing a hat, gloves and a scarf, and avoiding prolonged exposure to the cold.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 26^th November 2025

We start our weekly report with two disturbing developments. The first of these involves the arrest of 11 volunteer firefighters from the Fundão Volunteer Firefighters Humanitarian Association who are suspected of having committed “two rape crimes and one sexual coercion,” the Judicial Police revealed on Tuesday. The victim is a 19-year-old firefighter subjected to an initiation ritual involving “violent sexual acts.” In a statement, the PJ (Judicial Police) states that the crimes were committed at two different times, inside the barracks in Fundão and Soalheira. The suspects include individuals with responsibilities in the corporation’s hierarchy, including a chief and a deputy chief. Among the evidence gathered are images from CCTV cameras and videos made during the initiation ritual, showing the alleged crimes being committed by the firefighters. However, the Commander says they will not be suspended from their duties!

This a terrible ordeal for the young firefighter concerned. It is important that those responsible are held to account for such despicable criminal acts. Regardless of the commanders decision, the judicial authority at the first hearing can set conditions in the application of coercive measures, that would effectively prohibit those arrested from carrying out their duties – such as being placed in custody – house arrest etc. Apart from this investigation by the Judicial Police, we would call for a wider inquiry should be conducted into whether there have been previous occasions where similar “initiations” have been held, whether in this corporation or others.

The second disturbing report involves the arrest of ten GNR and one PSP officer allegedly involved in a human trafficking network. The Judiciary Police is carrying out a large-scale operation in Beja, designated “Fair Harvest,” to dismantle an alleged human trafficking network. Approximately 300 PJ inspectors from Lisbon, Évora, and the Algarve are involved. Around 50 search warrants and 17 arrest warrants are being executed in Beja, Portalegre, Figueira da Foz, and Porto. The crimes under investigation are aiding illegal immigration, forgery, tax fraud, and money laundering.

Those arrested are expected to begin being questioned this Wednesday at the Central Criminal Court in Lisbon, according to the Lusa news agency. The National Republican Guard (GNR) says there is no place in that structure for military personnel who corrupt the honour and ethics of the guard. The military force says it repudiates acts that call into question dignity and human rights.

Turning to wildfires a report recently released by the OECD into the 2024 and 2025 wildfires in Portugal revealed “coordination failures” between the different forces on the ground, causing delays in response time and increasing their spread..

“Coordination failures between different forces delay response time to fires and increase their spread. The creation of forest firefighting forces in Portugal reinforced the rapid response to fires in forest areas. However, it also contributed to unclear command structures between civil protection, volunteer, and forest firefighting forces,” concludes the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in the report “Towards Integrated Management of Rural Fires in Portugal,” which Lusa had access to. The preliminary conclusions of this project, funded by the European Union and carried out in collaboration with the Agency for Integrated Rural Fire Management (AGIF), were presented by OECD technicians to Portuguese members of parliament in the Assembly of the Republic.

For the country to create “a stronger institutional framework,” the OECD recommends clarifying the roles and command structures among firefighters and strengthening their capacity. The organization also proposes the development of “a long-term financing strategy for forest fires, in order to increase the efficiency of expenditure on forest fire management.”

Our team wish you a safe and happy week ahead.

News

Food Bank holds another food drive this weekend.

The Food Bank against Hunger (BA) will hold a new food collection campaign in 2,000 stores, with the help of more than 41,000 volunteers, next weekend, the organization announced today.

In a statement, BA explains that “this solidarity action, well known to the Portuguese people,” is an “invitation to share food with those who need it most, so that they can have a more dignified life.”

“The mechanics of participating in the campaign are simple and well known to the Portuguese: during the weekend of November 29th and 30th, simply accept the invitation from one of the more than 41,000 volunteers, distributed across more than 2,000 stores, place non-perishable food products (milk, canned goods, olive oil, sugar, flour, pasta) in the Food Bank bag and share them with those who need them most,” the statement reads.

The campaign, which runs until December 7th through the website www.alimentestaideia.pt and the purchase of product vouchers available at supermarket checkouts, “calls for participation in this real social network that is renewed to help bring food to those in need with food donations.”

Quoted in the statement, the president of the Portuguese Federation of Food Banks Against Hunger, Isabel Jonet, explains that the donated products will then be sent to the warehouses of the 21 Food Banks from north to south of the country, where they are weighed, sorted and packaged.

“The proceeds are distributed locally to people with food insecurity through more than 2,400 social solidarity institutions, previously selected and monitored in their daily activities,” the official stated.

According to available information, the 21 Food Banks distributed 27,448 tons of food last year (with an estimated value of 45 million euros) to 2,400 institutions, delivering the food to nearly 380,000 people with proven food needs, in the form of food baskets or prepared meals.

The Food Bank was created in Portugal in 1991 with the mission of fighting food waste and distributing support to those who most need food, in partnership with solidarity institutions and based on volunteer work.

There are currently 21 Food Banks (in the areas of Abrantes, Algarve, Aveiro, Beja, Braga, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Cova da Beira, Évora, Leiria-Fátima, Lisbon, Madeira, West Zone, Portalegre, Porto, São Miguel, Santarém, Setúbal, Terceira, Viana do Castelo and Viseu).

Phone fraud using AI-generated voices is skyrocketing.

The number of scams using automated calls more than doubled by 2025. The use of artificial intelligence in voice cloning has made the schemes increasingly difficult to detect.

Scammers create urgent situations, claim problems with bank accounts or cryptocurrency wallets, and suggest immediate transfers to accounts controlled by criminals. Telephone fraud is becoming more sophisticated. In the Netherlands, the office responsible for combating fraud says that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) is causing more and more people to be deceived.

“People are called from an unknown number and, if they answer, they receive a proposal or instructions that seem legitimate.”

In 2024, approximately five thousand complaints of this type of fraud were registered. By 2025, that number had already surpassed twelve thousand. And the financial impact had also increased significantly.

AI technology is being used to clone voices with alarming accuracy. Wouter van Dongen, founder of DongIT, a cybersecurity company, says that even experts are having difficulty distinguishing the real from the fake. AI systems are able to hold realistic conversations, responding coherently to human interactions.

“Personally, I can still tell the difference, but some people can’t. The voices are becoming increasingly credible. If you respond in a certain way, the AI ​​will also respond appropriately.”

According to experts, the only way to protect yourself is to stay informed and, if in doubt, end the call immediately. Awareness is the best defense against this new generation of digital fraud.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 12^th November 2025

Good afternoon everyone. In terms of climate change an important event is taking place in Brazil – COP 30. Specifically Portugal is one of the signatory countries of the “Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management and Wildfire Resilience”, approved within the framework of the 30th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) , which is taking place in Belém do Pará, Brazil.

In the commitment “Call to Action on Integrated Fire Management and Forest Fire Resilience,” the signatories acknowledge that wildfires are one of the most dramatic manifestations of climate change, affecting all States equally and constituting a challenge that “no country is capable of facing alone.” COP 30 reinforces “our shared commitment in scaling up Integrated Fire Management (IFM). Of the 10 main provisions the following two stand out as very relevant and necessary in addressing some of these important issues.

Firstly is a commitment to promote a global transition from reactive fire suppression toward proactive, prevention-driven, inclusive and ecological fire management strategies that strengthen adaptation and contribute to mitigation, protect biodiversity and combat desertification, through risk-informed planning and implementation covering the entire fire cycle (prevention, preparedness, response, recovery, and ecological use of fire). In Portugal we have seen a dramatic change in this direction over the last five years from the high percentage of budget previously being spent on suppression of fires, to prevention.

Strengthening international Cooperation: prevent, fight and recover from wildfires by taking integrated action to reduce the incidence and negative impacts of wildfires and ensure our readiness to help each other and our partners; this includes enhancing collaboration across borders and institutions, consistent with the UNFCCC’s call for the widest possible cooperation, by, where relevant, and consistent with international legal frameworks, sharing technologies, expertise, and resources, and by enhancing interoperability, including developing common protocols for emergency coordination, capacity development, and regional fire governance, in line with the nature of fires and responses associated with them, as well as work under the FAO-hosted Global Fire Management Hub.

Black Friday which this year is 28^th November is approaching, but in reality the sales have already started in the shops and on-line. Black Friday period is one of those that registers the greatest increase in digital scams, especially phishing scams. In this type of scam, criminals clone pages of well-known stores and create fake websites to steal data or money from consumers.

The last two years have seen the emergence of AI (Artificial Intelligence) used by criminals, which is making holiday shopping scams increasingly difficult to spot. Scammers use machine learning to analyse consumer behaviour, crafting targeted attacks that exploit urgency and trust. For instance, fake online stores pop up overnight, offering unbelievable discounts on hot items, only to vanish after collecting payment and personal data. Safe Communities has prepared a feature in this week’s Portugal Resident (out tomorrow) which explains what has changed and advice on how to spot AL generated scams. If you intend to purchase goods on-line I suggest you study this first.

Yet another storm is approaching and that is Storm Claudia now starting to effect Madeira.

The ANEPC have issued a warning to the population which advises people to take special care when driving and staying near tree-lined areas, being aware of the possibility of falling branches and trees due to stronger winds. Also to be extra careful when driving near the coast and riverfront areas historically more vulnerable to floodwaters coastlines, avoiding traffic and staying in these places. The full advice can be found on our Facebook page yesterday and on our website in English here: https://www.safecommunitiesportugal.com/current-anpc-weather-warning-to-the-population-2/

Please follow the IPMA weather warnings and ANEPC advice and have a safe week ahead.

News:

Healthcare professionals set an example after appeal for blood donations.

There is a risk of blood shortages in hospitals because reserves are below normal. The situation is not yet considered critical, but authorities are again asking the public for help. In hospitals like the one in Braga, healthcare professionals themselves are setting an example.

The appeal from the Portuguese Federation of Voluntary Blood Donors (FEPODABES) resonated even within its own walls. Joana, who works at the Braga Local Health Unit, heard the requests and wanted to donate blood for the first time.

“We were having a coffee chat, our boss spoke up and emphasized the need for blood donation, and I said that I had never donated before and that I would like to do so. She took the opportunity to invite me to become part of this great family that is blood donors,” the professional told SIC.

But it wasn’t the only one. The drop in reserves happens every year around this time. And to prevent the situation from becoming critical, the appeals are repeated.

Aldara Braga, clinical director of the ULS of Braga, states that “there are some unforeseen circumstances that lead to donors being a little less frequent at this time of year ,” due to “infectious incidents.” Work-related issues can also impact donation, and therefore, “the appeal is always, always, always relevant.”

Thanks to the increased donations in recent days, reserves have already begun to improve, and the appeal is nationwide. This appeal has also come from the Portuguese Federation of Donors, which warns of some obstacles that continue to hinder the process.

“Many hospitals that collect blood today have a schedule that makes us very apprehensive, which is closing at three or four in the afternoon. And then we don’t have enough professionals to collect as many blood samples as are needed, which causes the blood supply to decrease,” says Alberto Mota. 

From the ground to the sky: International Hot Air Balloon Festival returns with colors and night time magic.

The event includes daytime flights near the Benavila dam in Avis, and the ‘Night Glow’ night time show in Ponte de Sor, transforming the region’s skies into a palette of vibrant colors.

These days, the Alentejo sky is filled with balloons. The International Hot Air Balloon Festival is taking place in that region until the 13th.

Everything was ready for another day of the festival. It dawned gray, but with safety conditions that allowed for flying, and that increased the anticipation and anxiety.

Still on the ground, next to the Benavila dam in Avis, the colours of the balloon tarpaulins painted the banks of the reservoir. There are 33 pilots of six different nationalities: some come for a mission, others for the scenery, but all for the passion of flying.

The palette of colours invaded the skies of Alentejo, and the anxiety of before gave way to a calm that, during the flight, is only interrupted by the flares.

And the images did not disappoint. Despite the grey weather, once up here it’s desirable to land, and if it’s done with some subtlety, all the better.

The thing is, this ballooning business isn’t exactly an exact science, except in the construction. Many of the balloons that have flown at the festival are manufactured in Madrid, in the only factory on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the few in Europe.

At night, the magic happens again in the skies of Alentejo, this time in Ponte de Sor, with the Night Glow show.

The International Hot Air Balloon Festival is in the air until the 13th. You can check the program on the organization’s website or try your luck and look up at the sky.

 

Portugal Safety and Security Report Wednesday 22^nd October 2025

Good afternoon. We start this weekly report with the excellent work being undertaken both by the PSP and GNR. The first is the arrest of seven people during a mega-operation that culminated in the seizure of 5.8 tons of hashish. This is the largest amount of drugs ever seized by the PSP, with an estimated value of over several million euros, this police force announced in the final balance sheet.

Also seized were 580,000 euros in cash, 10 vehicles, 21 cell phones, two satellite phones, two automatic weapons, five pistols, a shotgun, a revolver, three electric weapons, around 500 rounds of ammunition of various calibres, two speedboats, six boats, 21 high-powered engines, six luxury watches, around 15,000 litres of gasoline, video surveillance systems (CCTV), solar panels and communication inhibitors, the PSP announced this Tuesday.

The investigation, which lasted eight months , revealed that the network used drug storage facilities located in strategic areas to facilitate transport by sea, “also possessing weapons, communication equipment and logistical support, which demonstrate a high degree of sophistication and danger”, said the PSP. We congratulate the PSP for their professionalism, and coordination in undertaking such a thorough investigation and well planned and successful operation. Clearly it was a dangerous operation given the type of weapons seized. Well done!

The second, this time by the GNR involves the arrest of two suspects for more than one hundred thefts of non-precious metals from electric vehicle charging stations in the districts of Santarém, Setúbal, Leiria, Lisbon, and Évora. Two of the establishments are located in the Óbidos area.

The investigation had been ongoing for about a month and after the suspects were identified, the Santarém Territorial Command of the GNR executed two arrest warrants and carried out three searches (two at homes and one at a waste management operator).The operation, carried out with the support of the GNR Territorial Commands of Setúbal, Leiria, Lisbon and Évora and the PSP, allowed the seizure of electric charging cables, electric cable dismantling machinery, material from dismantling, cutting shears and protective material, documents related to transactions of non-precious metals and computer equipment and a motor vehicle.

The following case in Alcobaça involves the arrest of two people for fraud, document forgery, possession of prohibited weapons, and misuse of name, emblem, or uniform. The GNR Leiria Territorial Command, through the Criminal Investigation Unit (NIC) in Caldas da Rainha,on, October 20, arrested a man and a woman, aged 37 and 41, in the town of Benedita, in the municipality of Alcobaça.

As part of a criminal investigation that has been ongoing for approximately four months. The GNR officers executed three search warrants: one at a residence and two at a vehicle. Following the operation, two security searches were also conducted on the suspects, resulting in arrests and the seizure of an extensive range of items belonging to the GNR and PSP. The reason why the two arrested should have such a large range of items, has not been disclosed, although the word “misuse” indicates that the suspects were, using, or planning to use, the items, in order to approach members of the public pretending to be police officers

Despite this there are reports in the media that there is public concern that the use of violence in crime is increasing certainly in Lisbon, although the Minister of Internal Administration commented when asked, that “perception does not always reflect reality”. She acknowledged however that, “there is indeed some increase in violent crime, but not as much as the media reports,” argues the Minister of Internal Affairs, Maria Lúcia Amaral. Last week, police recorded five cases of people being shot. In particular, a man was admitted to Amadora-Sintra Hospital in the early hours of Monday morning with gunshot wounds to the knee, after another young man was also left outside the same hospital last Sunday with abdominal injuries.

However, this perception of insecurity was certainly not improved, with the attack yesterday by a person using a sharp weapon at the facilities of the Picapau Association, a drug addiction treatment centre located in Almoster, (not in Lisbon) but in the municipality of Santarém. Two of the victims, who were in serious condition, were transported to Santarém Hospital, while the others were assessed on site by emergency teams. More details are not known at present.

Our team wishes you all the best for the week ahead

News

The European Anti-Torture Committee calls on Portuguese authorities to “completely eradicate” physical abuse by police, adding that complaints continue despite progress made in recent years.

In the report released this Tuesday (October 21) on a visit to Portugal in 2024, the Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) states that it observed “a decrease” in allegations of ill-treatment by law enforcement officials compared to previous visits to the country”, and that measures were also taken by the Portuguese authorities to address this issue.

However, it highlights that “concerns continue to exist,” having received several allegations of physical mistreatment by Portuguese police, including “excessive use of force during detention.”

“The alleged mistreatment consisted primarily of punches, kicks to the body and/or head and, occasionally, the use of batons,” the document states.

The complaints also included being thrown against a wall, pressure on the head with a foot or on the neck with a knee or baton, “despite the detainees having already been controlled,” the rapporteurs write, also reporting reports of verbal threats and acts of humiliation.

The document makes reference to the need to ensure medical care and better reporting of injuries.

“The Portuguese authorities must remain vigilant and continue their efforts, in line with a zero-tolerance policy, to completely eradicate police mistreatment. They must, in particular, improve reporting of such cases, both internally and to the competent investigative bodies, and provide adequate training to law enforcement officials,” recommend the experts from the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman Treatment.

The Committee expressed “deep concern about persistent failures in the response of the Portuguese criminal justice system,” which it said poses a risk to trust in the Portuguese authorities.

“Regarding access to a lawyer, this right does not appear to be guaranteed to people in police custody in all cases, from the beginning of the deprivation of liberty,” the report’s authors noted.

“The CPT continued to note omissions on the part of prison establishments, as well as the General Inspectorate of Internal Administration (IGAI) and the General Inspectorate of Justice Services, in communicating possible cases of mistreatment by law enforcement officials to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, as well as cases in which allegations or information indicating mistreatment were not responded to, or were responded to insufficiently quickly, by this service,” the document adds.

The committee also highlighted the need to improve communication and information sharing between criminal and disciplinary investigation bodies, especially in cases where disciplinary and criminal proceedings run in parallel.

The authors of the documents also request that agents be identified during operations and dispute the fact that some agents cover their faces.

The Committee for the Prevention of Torture also recommends that authorities implement the use of body cameras , a measure that, the report’s authors emphasize, offers additional protection against the “risk of excessive use and other forms of treatment, also guaranteeing protection [for officers] against any allegations of ill-treatment.”