Post by : Bianca
Haleem
Two police officers in their twenties have been officially charged with torturing individuals including the homeless and migrants, as confirmed by Portuguese authorities on Friday.
The arrested officers, who have been in custody since last July, face multiple serious charges, including torture, acts of cruelty, and abuse of authority. One officer is also accused of additional offenses such as rape, robbery, and forgery.
Lisbon Prosecutor Felismina Franco detailed in the indictment that one incident involved a Moroccan immigrant being assaulted for hours within a police station. The victim was coerced into kissing the officers’ boots while one of them taunted, saying, “Welcome to Portugal!”
“The victims were systematically selected from vulnerable populations, including the homeless and economically disadvantaged,” stated the prosecutor. “These actions reflect pure and unjustified violence against individuals unable to defend themselves.”
The Interior Ministry condemned these acts, expressing deep regret over conduct that undermines citizens' rights, and clarified that such behavior is not representative of the broader police force.
A separate investigation is being conducted by the General Inspectorate to examine other potential misconduct involving police personnel.
Amnesty International Portugal has decried the online sharing of images and messages concerning these abuses, describing it as indicative of a troubling sense of impunity. The organization welcomed reports of the crimes by law enforcement members and urged for enhanced oversight, suggesting more cameras in police stations and vehicles, as well as bodycams for officers during public engagements.
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