Portugal's interior minister defends Porto police raid as lawful

During a press briefing in Lisbon, Interior Minister Luis Neves affirmed that the police intervention in Porto early Thursday morning was lawful and necessary to re-establish order. He expressed sorrow for any injuries that occurred, noting that the action complied with legal directives. The protest, organized by the Movimento pela Habitação, had been occupying Praça D. João I since Saturday, and participants claim 37 were hurt during the raid.

PSP national director Pedro Moura, who took office the previous day, called the operation proportionate and said he was still confirming the exact number of injured. He added that officers coordinated with the metropolitan command and engaged calmly with demonstrators, who were not permitted to stay past midnight or set up tents. Porto mayor Pedro Duarte echoed the minister’s view, saying police were forced to intervene because of the protesters’ conduct. The government said it continues to monitor the situation.