Prosecutors: neo‑Nazi group planned anti‑Muslim provocation

The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) says the neo‑Nazi group known as 1143, dismantled in recent PJ operations, was preparing actions that included insults to the Prophet Muhammad intended to provoke the Muslim community, according to court papers and reporting. Authorities have detained dozens of suspects and describe planned provocations as part of the indictment material; media name Mário Machado as the suspected leader. The case has implications for community safety and policing in affected areas; residents should follow police guidance and local reporting. Those in communities that could be targeted should remain alert to official notices and policing activity.

Context & Explainers

Grupo 1143 is an alleged neo‑Nazi group that the Judicial Police (PJ) dismantled this week, according to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors say the group was preparing actions that insulted the Prophet Muhammad intended to provoke negative reactions from the Muslim community and are investigating possible criminal offences.

Mário Machado is a well‑known far‑right activist in Portugal who has previously been linked to neo‑Nazi groups and convicted of hate‑related offences. Authorities say he was connected to the dismantled Grupo 1143, which is under criminal investigation for provocative actions.

The Public Prosecutor's Office (Ministério Público) is the independent body that leads criminal investigations and represents the state in court. It gets involved in cases like a long-delayed INEM response because it can order autopsies, investigate potential criminal negligence or procedural failures, and decide whether to bring charges or recommend disciplinary action.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office (Ministério Público) is Portugal’s state prosecution service responsible for investigating crimes, bringing criminal charges and representing the state in court; it is institutionally independent from the police and is led by the Procurador‑Geral da República (Attorney General). In the story it is the body accusing two officers, so residents and those interacting with law enforcement should know that criminal allegations are pursued and prosecuted by this office.