“The Government is absolutely clear: There is no place in the Portuguese security forces for unlawful violence, ill-treatment or any form of violation of fundamental rights. Whenever there is evidence of these behaviors, they must be investigated and punished in accordance with the law”, declared the office of minister Luís Neves, regarding the news of seven more police officers detained on suspicion of torture at Esquadra do Rato, in Lisbon. The note was sent to newsrooms this Wednesday, March 4th.
The Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) highlights that “follows with the greatest concern the developments in the investigation related to the events that occurred at the Rato police station”. This morning, it became known that seven new arrests, nine home searches and seven non-domestic searches were carried out, related to the torture investigation at the aforementioned police station.
“The arrests made today show that State institutions are functioning and that any suspicions of illegal behavior by security force agents will be investigated with complete rigor”highlights MAI. There is a second investigation underway at the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action (DIAP) in Lisbon (11th Section).
At the same time, Luís Neves’ office rejects generalizations. “It is important to defend citizens’ trust in institutions: the overwhelming majority of PSP professionals serve Portugal with a high sense of mission, courage and respect for democratic legality”emphasizes.
Finally, the ministry states that it will monitor the case. “The Ministry of Internal Affairs will monitor this process carefully and will continue to collaborate fully with the judicial authorities for the complete clarification of the facts and the accountability of those who must be held responsible”, he concludes. After taking over the MAI, Luís Neves stated that “deviant behavior” from agents of authority would not be tolerated.
Two PSP agents are already in pre-trial detention and accused of crimes of torture, abuse of power, rape and attacks on physical integrity, among others.. In this second investigation, “the possible commission of various crimes is investigated, in particular serious torture, rape, abuse of power and qualified physical harm”, adds the PSP. The entity guarantees that it will continue to collaborate with the Judicial Authorities “to fully investigate the facts and to achieve justice”.
amanda.lima@dn.pt
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