“What I saw was physical strength to enforce the law and rule of law”

O minister of Internal Administration said today that police interventions in Lisbon and Porto were PSP decisions, stressing that whenever there is violation of the law, it is “desirable that everything be done” to restore public order.

“No security force needs directions to comply with the law. Each security force has its technical, tactical and operational autonomy. Of course, we are talking about law enforcement, never in history did a force need any indication to enforce it”, said Luís Neves.

In statements to journalists, in Celorico de Basto, Braga district, where he attended the commemorative ceremony of Braga District Day, the governor assumed that he gave no order to the PSP, adding that the performance of this security force aimed to restore public order.

“ When there is a violation of the law, it is normal, it is acceptable, it is desirable that everything be done so that this public order is answered. Therefore, whenever there is a situation of illegality, we are talking about the occupation of the public space, the public space that belongs to everyone, must be enjoyed by everyone, this space must be restored to freedom and that is what the security forces did ", said Luís Neves.

The police dispersed this morning, at batonada, the demonstrations for the right to housing, in two actions simultaneously in Lisbon and Porto, after more than two hours of tension and unaccepted dispersion orders, to remove the tents mounted by protesters by the right to housing.

Asked whether this police action was disproportionate, the Minister of Internal Administration refutes and speaks in “physical strength”.

“ I followed the [police] action. I have seen only once in the face of a manifest opposition to which a staff has been used. What I saw and think we all saw was physical strength to enforce the law and the rule of law”, answered the ruler.