Hundreds of people filled the Largo do Intendente square in Lisbon this Saturday for a multicultural rally against racism and xenophobia, on a day when a far-right protest “against Islamization” is planned.
At the festival, attended by more than 500 people and accompanied by heavy security, slogans such as “racists, fascists will not pass” and “down with Mario Machado” can be heard and posters seen. with messages such as “facho, you’re the only foreigner in the area” or “all immigrants are welcome.”
Speaking to Lusa, Antonio Tonga, a member of the Consciência Negra collective, explained that the meeting serves to “celebrate diversity and multiculturalism” and “warn against hateful and divisive speech.”
“Fifty years after April 25, we must fight for the affirmation of this April 25 and for what values we want for society,” the activist said.
António Tonga stressed that this festival is also a response to “fascist” groups who intend to hold a demonstration this afternoon “against Islamization”, initially planned in the Martim Moniz area, but ultimately planned for Largo Camões.
“When there is a threat, as is the case with the community of Benformoso (artery in the Muraria region), we act accordingly. “Either we allow these divisive, hateful ideologies to continue to shape policy, or we move forward and ask questions,” he said.
BE coordinator Mariana Mortagua, also present at the festival, said she decided to take part in this protest “to remember that every time there is a small minority that wants to establish hatred and violence in Portugal, there is a large majority that stands for decency , for human rights and says that Portugal has an obligation to integrate everyone.”
The bloc’s leader said Portugal has an obligation to welcome immigrants not only “out of respect for human rights” but also because it “owes them a lot” since “they pay for social security reforms” and guarantee important sectors such as agriculture. fishing or tourism.
“What we must do is integrate these immigrants, those who seek work with us, instead of inciting division, hatred and violence. “, he decreed.
The far-right group Group 1.143 asked for a demonstration in the Muraria area, starting from Largo do Intendente, but the Lisbon City Council rejected the request following a PSP report warning of a security threat. .
Group 1143 filed a lawsuit for the “protection of rights, freedoms and guarantees”, considering that the ban on the demonstration by the Lisbon Chamber (CML), which announced on January 26 that it would not authorize it, would be a violation. rights to freedom of expression.
On Friday, the Lisbon District Administrative Court rejected the request and the group announced it would concentrate on Largo Camões.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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