Latest news and stories about expat rights in legal in Lisbon, Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Inspectorate-General also recommended that officials at the Bairro Alto police station verify detainee records. It conducted surprise inspections following allegations of torture against vulnerable citizens.
“By summer” is the new deadline for completing the hearing room where judges will be able to interview foreign nationals barred at Lisbon Airport. ANA - Aeroportos de Portugal states that the project is in the contracting phase and expects the renovation to be finished by summer. The room, proposed by the High Council of the Judiciary (CSM), is at least a year behind schedule due to bureaucratic delays and disputes over responsibilities between the police, the Ministry of Justice, and airport management. Currently, 1,867 passengers were denied entry in 2025, and the new facility aims to ensure that the legal right of these individuals to be heard by a judge is upheld more efficiently, preventing cases where people are deported before their legal proceedings can be completed.
Mafalda Guerra, a Chega activist, was dismissed following an RTP investigation that uncovered her properties being utilized as illegal housing for immigrants in Lisbon. The report raised significant concerns regarding the legality of the rentals and the implications for immigrant communities.
The Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, defended on Saturday (7) that the “overwhelming majority of PSP professionals serve Portugal with a strong sense of mission” following the preventive detention of seven officers for crimes such as torture and rape. In a message posted on the Instagram page of the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI), Neves emphasized the importance of maintaining citizens' trust in institutions, stating that not all police officers are the same. He highlighted that approximately 200,000 professionals work daily for public safety. This statement comes after it was revealed that the seven detained officers will await trial for serious torture, completed and attempted rape, abuse of power, possession of prohibited weapons, and serious physical harm. The Public Prosecutor's Office (MP) and the PSP announced that the preventive measure was justified due to the risk of continued criminal activity and public disorder. Neves also noted that “the presumption of innocence applies to all citizens” but acknowledged that this case demonstrates how state institutions are functioning, as the report originated from the PSP itself. He assured that any suspicions of illegal behaviour by security forces will be thoroughly investigated. The seven officers were arrested following an investigation into serious crimes at the Rato police station in Lisbon, joining two other officers already in preventive detention since July. In January, these two were accused of crimes including torture and abuse of power, primarily targeting drug addicts, homeless individuals, and foreigners. Reports indicate that they assaulted detainees and filmed some of the incidents, sharing them in WhatsApp groups with other officers. One case involved a Moroccan citizen allegedly sodomised with a baton and beaten before being abandoned on the street. The Inspector General revealed that three disciplinary processes are underway regarding this case, alongside investigations into officers who viewed the shared videos of the alleged torture and rape incidents.
Controversial appointment made by the executive, Mafalda Livermore is the owner of properties rented clandestinely to immigrants. The Public Prosecutor's Office is also investigating possible usurpation of functions as a lawyer.
Carlos Moedas' executive considered that there had been “a breach of institutional trust.”
These seven PSP officers join two other police officers who are in preventive detention after being arrested last July in an investigation reported by the Public Security Police.
Appointed by Moedas to the City Hall's Social Services, she rents out houses in disgraceful conditions to illegal immigrants. She is the girlfriend of the Chega councillor.
The Brazilian consulate in Lisbon promotes actions in partnership with the Portuguese state against prejudice. The consulate offers psychological support and legal guidance to Brazilians in Portugal.
Appointed by Moedas to the City Hall's Social Services, she rents out houses in disgraceful conditions to illegal immigrants. She is the girlfriend of the Chega councillor.
The article reports that Portugal's national police director, Luís Carrilho, affirmed a zero-tolerance policy for police misconduct, emphasizing that no one is above the law, including police officers. He addressed recent allegations of severe abuse and violence at the Rato police station in Lisbon, which led to the detention of seven officers involved in serious crimes such as torture, assault, and abuse of power, primarily targeting vulnerable individuals like drug addicts, foreigners, and homeless persons. These incidents, some of which involved filming and sharing abuses via WhatsApp, are being thoroughly investigated by judicial authorities. The police leadership acknowledges these cases as exceptions and reaffirms their commitment to maintaining public trust and safety in Portugal.
This webpage provides a brief overview of recent news related to Portugal. Notably, a Portuguese tribunal cleared police officers of wrongdoing due to lack of evidence in a case involving Odair Moniz. Additionally, a case involving a couple filing a complaint against TAP airlines over their dog's travel restrictions is highlighted. The page also mentions the detention of a human trafficker in Lisbon, who is wanted in Hungary, and a statement from President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa reflecting on years of cooperation with the government before a political transition. Overall, the content covers judicial, social, and political developments within Portugal.
A 53-year-old foreign man was detained in Lisbon by Portuguese authorities. He is wanted in Hungary for allegedly facilitating illegal immigrant entries at the Hungary-Austria border, receiving substantial payments. The suspect is linked to a criminal network and faces potential sentences of up to 20 years for aiding illegal immigration. He will be presented to the Lisbon Court of Appeal for measures of coercion.
Two other police officers had already been held in preventive detention.
Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets in Lisbon and Porto to protest against the government's proposed changes to the labour law, known as the 'Work XXI' reform. Led by the CGTP union, the protests highlighted concerns that the reforms would negatively impact workers' rights. CGTP's Secretary-General, Tiago Oliveira, called for the government to withdraw the labour package, emphasizing its detrimental effects on the workforce.
Between Cais do Sodré and Rossio, thousands of demonstrators shouted against the changes to the labour law.
Jaime Quintas lived for 50 years in the Padre Cruz neighbourhood of Lisbon, until in November 2025, he was forced to leave his home by members of Gebalis.
The Brazilian Consulate in Lisbon has initiated a campaign aimed at raising awareness and providing guidance on women's rights and combating gender-based violence. This initiative involves posting videos on social media twice a week, focusing on outreach and public safety for women.
SOS Racismo says a young São Toméan, Samuel Edi, remains detained at Lisbon Airport “without knowing the factual or legal reasons,” and alleges he was “brutally assaulted” by police. The PSP rejects the claims, denying any unprovoked assaults or mistreatment. The case reflects a direct dispute between an advocacy group and law enforcement, raising questions about transparency, detainee rights, and the need for an independent inquiry or clear official documentation to establish what occurred.
The PSP announced 30 detentions in 2025 for irregular stay in the country and other offences related to immigration matters, and 99 notices to voluntarily leave the country.
Some PSP officers suspected of involvement in violent assaults on detainees at the Rato and Bairro Alto police stations in Lisbon remain on duty despite being under investigation. ISCTE researcher Otávio Raposo analyses the situation.
Abner Ivan and his wife, Natália Marinho, travelled to Portugal at the invitation of the Óbidos International Chocolate Festival but were barred from entry at Lisbon Airport.
A man filed a complaint with the Judicial Police in Lisbon, saying he lost €592.20.
The Ministry of Internal Administration says it deeply regrets these behaviours, as well as any actions that violate the rights, freedoms and guarantees of citizens.
