GNR captain orders sale of seized gold
The events date back to 2016. The officer remains in service despite being named as a suspect in two cases.
PSP chief who assaulted someone punished with a three-day fine
A 42-year-old police officer is under house arrest. He will face trial and may be expelled from the PSP (Public Security Police).
PSP officers from Rato accused by the Public Prosecutor's Office of assaulting at least 13 victims
The Public Prosecutor's indictment is 122 pages long and describes the assaults in detail.
Police torturer with irregular ammunition opens the door to weapons crimes
A police officer previously implicated in torture had access to unauthorised ammunition from batches not assigned to the PSP; these rounds were untraceable to the force and could facilitate serious firearms offences. The case exposes weaknesses in ammunition control, record-keeping and oversight within the PSP, increasing public safety risks and underscoring the need for stricter inventory procedures, forensic tracing and accountability measures.
'Pity he didn't die. I'd throw the bloke in the Tagus': accusation against police officers reveals unwarranted violence and impunity
Guns held to victims' heads, beatings, hair cut off. It was the PSP itself that, upon receiving the complaint about one of the cases, forwarded it to the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Alleged victim of Carloto Cotta lodges appeal with court
Lawyer says a 'regrettable error' by a GNR officer cast doubt on the testimony.
'It was a pity he didn't die. I'd throw the bloke in the Tagus': accusation against police officers reveals gratuitous violence and impunity
Guns held to victims' heads, beatings, hair forcibly cut. It was the PSP itself that, when it received a complaint about one of the cases, referred it to the Public Prosecutor's Office.
Blasco breaks his silence and addresses torture allegations against two PSP officers: 'consternation' and 'concern'
Blasco has spoken publicly for the first time about accusations that two officers from the Public Security Police (PSP) committed torture, describing the situation as one of 'consternation' and 'concern'.
The police officer "inserted the baton into the victim's anus and made back-and-forth movements": with "cruel refinements", PSP officers filmed themselves humiliating, torturing and sodomising several people
This article describes alleged crimes committed by PSP officers against several people, including homeless individuals. Two police officers have been charged, aged 22 and 26 — they face 36 offences and were remanded in custody. The Public Prosecutor's Office suspects the involvement of more officers and the existence of further cases beyond those already identified. The officers shared images of the crimes in WhatsApp groups; one group had 69 participants. WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS EXPLICIT DESCRIPTIONS AND LANGUAGE
PSP ‘torture duo’ may just be tip of ugly iceberg
News this week that two young PSP police agents are in preventive custody charged with a range of hideous offences against vulnerable people (the homeless/ drug addicts and immigrants) may The post PSP ‘torture duo’ may just be tip of ugly iceberg appeared first on Portugal Resident.
Complaint by a person with drug addiction led to the arrest of police officers suspected of torture and rape
PRESS REVIEW || A victim with drug addiction alleges a scheme of torture and rape carried out by PSP (Public Security Police) officers.
Press review: Casa Pia accused of violating EU sanctions and of torture by PSP officers
A press roundup reporting that Casa Pia is accused of breaching EU sanctions and that there are allegations of torture involving PSP (Public Security Police) officers.
Cotrim's fury, the end of the campaign and 'torture' in the PSP
On the final day of the campaign, candidates try to attract undecided voters and retain their electorate. Cotrim accuses journalists of 'killing' him over the alleged harassment case. And PSP officers are suspected of carrying out torture sessions.
IGAI opened three inquiries into cases of torture by PSP officers at two Lisbon police stations
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.
PSP: report by a drug-dependent victim put police on the trail of fellow officers who tortured
The man who was raped told officers involved in criminal investigations about the incident. He knew them from the petty criminal life he led and trusted them because they had never mistreated him.
PSP: In silence, no one is innocent
There are people within the PSP who are comfortable with racism and xenophobia. They are certainly not all members of the force; they may even be a small number among the police's 20,000 officers, but those who exist are one too many. Editorial by David Pontes
Suspected torture within the PSP. Interior Ministry summoned to Parliament on an urgent basis
The Interior Minister is expected to appear before Parliament to provide explanations. The request was made by several parties and has been designated as urgent.
PSP officers accused of torture: minister follows developments and calls it a 'serious' crime
Maria Lúcia Amaral says these behaviours 'do not represent the majority of PSP personnel', who carry out their duties with dedication, a sense of mission and respect for the law.
19:00 — Police association does not hide its discomfort over case of two PSP officers accused of torture and rape
In the 19:00 bulletin, a police association expressed visible discomfort regarding allegations that two PSP officers are charged with crimes of torture and rape, highlighting internal unease and concerns about accountability.
Evidence-sharing expands suspected police involvement
Reports say two Polícia de Segurança Pública officers, aged 23 and 26, have been accused by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of dozens of crimes including torture and sexual violence allegedly committed in police stations; several others are named as co‑perpetrators. The PSP says it regrets the events and has carried out an internal investigation as the criminal case proceeds. The allegations have raised questions about police conduct and oversight; anyone with concerns about detention or police practice should follow official case developments and rights‑advice channels.
Update: The Public Prosecutor’s Office now says its inquiry suspects more than ten officers were involved in violent assaults at two Lisbon police stations and that the circulation of torture images implicates upwards of 70 officers; two people have been formally named as suspects in connection with the images and assaults.
The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is Portugal's national civilian police force, founded in 1867. Responsible for defending Republican democracy and safeguarding internal security and citizens' rights, the PSP polices major cities—Lisbon, Porto, Faro—and large urban areas, covering only 4% of Portugal's territory but roughly half the population. Led by a National Director under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, its approximately 21,500 officers handle preventive policing, crime investigation, public order, airport security, diplomatic protection, private security regulation, firearms licensing, and border control (since 2023).
PSP vs. GNR: The PSP is civilian with police-focused training and urban jurisdiction, while the GNR (Guarda Nacional Republicana) is military (gendarmerie) with military training, covering 96% of Portugal's rural and suburban territory. Both share core public safety missions but differ fundamentally in nature, training, and geographic responsibility.
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.
BE demands urgent MAI hearing over alleged police violence
Bloco de Esquerda has asked for an urgent hearing with the Interior Ministry after reports of alleged police violence at the Rato police station; parties are seeking ministerial answers and potential oversight measures. Media coverage highlights political pressure on the Ministério da Administração Interna (MAI) to explain events and any disciplinary steps. Those concerned about policing and civil‑liberties oversight should follow parliamentary developments and local reporting.
The Left Bloc (Left Bloc (Bloco de Esquerda)) is a Portuguese left-wing party founded in 1999 that campaigns for progressive policies such as stronger social welfare, workers’ rights and more public services. Expats who follow Portuguese politics should note the Bloco often influences coalition talks and debates over healthcare, housing and labour regulations.
- Leader: Currently vacant (Mariana Mortágua resigned October 2025)
- Ideology: Democratic socialism, left-wing populism
The Left Bloc achieved its worst result in history in 2025, dropping from 5 seats to just 1. Mariana Mortágua, who led the party from May 2023, resigned in October 2025 after failing to reverse the party's electoral decline. Founded in 1999 as a coalition of far-left parties, BE was once the third-largest force in Portuguese politics and a key partner in the 2015-2019 Geringonça government.
Two PSP officers charged with 36 crimes — including torture and rape. Public Prosecutor's Office admits there may be more involved and more cases
The two officers are 21 and 24 years old. 'The use of a baton to sodomise is reported' in a 'situation in which the handle of a broom was also used.' Homeless people are among the victims.
