The Bar Association has stated that police should not intervene as long as housing rights demonstrations remain peaceful, calling instead for dialogue.
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Following police dispersal of housing protests in Lisbon and Porto on Sunday 1 November that resulted in over 20 injuries, a group of 74 public figures—the 'Mães no Rossio' movement—sent an open letter to the President, Prime Minister, Parliament, and oversight bodies. The group demands an independent investigation into police actions during the recent removals of 100 tents and calls for the government to shift from a security-based response to dialogue regarding housing policy.
The head of the Bar Association, João Massano, called for an inquiry by the Inspectorate-General of Internal Administration into the security forces' intervention during recent housing protests in Lisbon and Porto. He also raised concerns about detention conditions in police stations and access to legal representation for detainees.
The PSP spokesperson stated that police intervened after protesters failed to comply with the set time for ending demonstrations. Authorities reported 31 arrests and 11 injuries across Lisbon and Porto, while protest organizers claim at least 57 people were injured.