President of the Republic condemns “racist attacks” against immigrants in Porto

The President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, condemned this Saturday the “racist attacks” against immigrants that took place this evening in Porto, and highlighted that racial violence and xenophobia have no place in Portuguese society.

In a note published on the Presidency’s website, it is stated that Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa condemns the “racist attacks” that took place in Porto.

“Upon learning of the racist attacks perpetrated last night in Porto, the President of the Republic underlines the vehement condemnation of racial violence and xenophobia, practices with no place in Portuguese society”, states the note.

The head of state expressed solidarity with the victims of the attacks and thanked “the security forces for their quick intervention”.

The President of the Republic also conveyed a “vote of confidence in the defense of the Rule of Law and Human Rights, certain that [as forças de segurança] will remain attentive to your respect.”

Six men were identified and one was detained, for possession of an illegal weapon, following attacks on immigrants, in Porto, according to PSP spokesperson, Sérgio Soares, who updated the information saying that the judge ordered the detainee’s preventive detention .

In the early hours of Friday in Porto, the PSP was alerted at around 01:00 to an attack in Campo 24 de Agosto, on two immigrants, by a group of four or five men who fled before the arrival of police officers, he said. the spokesperson, indicating that the two attacked were treated at Hospital São João.

About 10 minutes later, on Rua do Bonfim, 10 immigrants were attacked, in the house where they were staying, by a group of 10 men, armed with sticks and, the PSP has not yet been able to confirm, by a firearm, the same said. source.

According to the PSP official, at around 3:00 am, on Rua Fernandes Tomás, another immigrant was also attacked by other suspects, one of whom used a firearm.

At this time, with the reinforced police contingent, it was possible to intercept one of the suspects of aggression on Rua Santo Ildefonso, in possession of an extendable baton, he reported.

At around 05:00, the vehicle used in the 01:00 attack was intercepted, with five suspects inside and who were all identified, he added.

Given the suspicion of the existence of a hate crime, the matter was transferred to the Judiciary Police, he concluded.