The Judicial Police (Polícia Judiciária or PJ) has arrested Nelson Vassalo, a 39-year-old designer and member of the Socialist Party (Partido Socialista or PS), for allegedly throwing a Molotov cocktail at a March for Life demonstration in Lisbon. The suspect, who reportedly returned to Portugal after living in the United States, is currently under investigation by the National Counter-Terrorism Unit (Unidade Nacional de Combate ao Terrorismo or UNCT) for potential terrorist offences. The PS has suspended the member and launched disciplinary proceedings, stating it does not condone violence.

The General Inspectorate for Health Activities (Inspeção-Geral das Atividades em Saúde or IGAS) has ordered dermatology teams at the Santa Maria Hospital in Lisbon to return over 818,000 euros. The investigation concluded that these payments, made for additional surgeries between 2021 and 2025, were improper. The findings implicate several medical staff, including Miguel Alpalhão, and note that the authorizations were granted by board members serving during that period.

A fire broke out Saturday afternoon in a restaurant located on Rua Morais Soares in the Arroios area of Lisbon, leading to the evacuation of the building and temporary traffic closures. Emergency services, including the Lisbon Sapador Fire Regiment (Regimento de Sapadores Bombeiros de Lisboa), extinguished the blaze by late afternoon with no injuries reported. Authorities are currently investigating the cause, which initial reports suggest may have originated from a barbecue grill.

Update: Lisbon restaurant fire extinguished with no injuries

The fire was reported at 17:04 and extinguished by 17:51, according to the Lisbon Sapador Fire Regiment. Traffic on Rua Morais Soares has since reopened, and residents evacuated from adjacent buildings were permitted to return once safety checks were completed.

The Permanent Coordinating Commission (CCP), representing major security force unions including the Public Security Police (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) and the National Republican Guard (Guarda Nacional Republicana or GNR), has announced a national protest for April 16. The demonstration will take place in front of the Prime Minister's residence in Lisbon to oppose legislative changes since 2005 that have reduced pension values for security personnel.

The Social Democratic Party (Partido Social Democrata or PSD) has called the Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves, to testify following a violent incident at Saturday's March for Life (Marcha pela Vida) in Lisbon. A Molotov cocktail was thrown at demonstrators, though the device failed to ignite, leading organizers to call for the act to be treated as terrorism. Residents in the capital should note that political groups are warning of increased radicalization following the attack.

Seven police officers have been placed in preventive detention amid an investigation into alleged torture and other crimes at the Rato and Bairro Alto stations in Lisbon; reports say nine officers in total are now being held preventively. The Public Security Police announced the detentions, citing a risk of continued criminal activity, and the probe covers serious alleged offences committed while on duty. Lisbon residents and anyone who has used those stations in recent years should watch for prosecutor statements and potential requests to review past complaints.

Update: MAI defends force while apologising to victims

The Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) published statements this weekend: Minister Luís Neves defended that the “overwhelming majority” of PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública or PSP) officers serve with a strong sense of mission, while MAI also apologised to alleged victims as the Public Ministry (MP) and PSP stressed the preventive detention aims to avoid continued criminal activity and preserve evidence. The investigation remains under secrecy of justice and charges reported in coverage include torture, sexual offences and abuse of power.

Público reports Brazilian businessman and former Big Brother Brasil contestant Vagner Lara was robbed by around a dozen men after a family dinner at Lisbon's Praça do Comércio; he described feeling traumatised and said there was no police presence in the area. The incident underlines risks in busy tourist spots at night and has prompted calls for better local policing. Visitors and residents in central Lisbon should take standard safety precautions, especially after dark.