Pratik AgrawalFresh housing rights protests swept through Portugal, and clashes with police left 13 officers injured, Portuguese broadcaster RTP reports, citing public security police data.
Clashes Erupt Again in Lisbon and Porto
Portugal has seen another wave of housing rights protests, and this time 13 police officers were hurt, according to broadcaster RTP. The outlet cited figures from the Public Security Police (PSP).
RTP reported that demonstrations flared up once more in Lisbon and the city of Porto overnight between Saturday and Sunday. Clashes broke out after protesters started throwing firecrackers and paint at officers on duty. Police ended up detaining 13 people during the unrest.
Police Statement On Injuries
PSP gave RTP a short statement on the toll officers took during the clashes. The broadcaster quoted police as saying:
“Thirteen instances of police officers sustaining injuries were recorded, with eight of them requiring hospitalization.”
RTP also noted that police confirmed civilians were injured too. However, the exact number of hurt demonstrators has not been released yet.
A Pattern Of Unrest Over Housing
This is not the first flare-up. Late in October, RTP reported, again citing PSP data, that earlier housing protests had also ended in clashes with police. Back then, 31 people were detained and at least seven people were injured.
Protesters have been pushing for several demands throughout these demonstrations. They want the new rental law scrapped, and they want building demolitions and evictions to stop. They are also calling for more social housing and a cap on rent prices.
Mayur Mohta
Akshay Didwaniya
Aditya Didwaniya
