Porto’s municipal executive rejects attacks on immigrants and calls for zero tolerance

Porto’s municipal chief executive, led by independent Rui Moreira, this Monday unanimously condemned and called racist the attack on immigrants that occurred early on Friday morning, saying that there must be zero tolerance.

Elected by the Rui Moreira: Here is Porto movement, the PSD, PS, CDU and BE strongly condemned the attack at a public meeting of the chamber, stressing that Porto is a “tolerant, open and free city.”

These positions came after the mayor said at the start of the meeting that the attack was “unacceptable and a hate crime that should not be relativized in any way.”

Early on Friday morning, several immigrants were attacked in three different locations in the city of Porto, with at least two of the attackers receiving treatment at Sao Joao hospital.

In one case, the attack took place on the home of 10 immigrants on Rua do Bonfim, where a group of 10 men invaded.

Following the various attacks, six men were identified and one was arrested for possession of an illegal weapon, taken to court and remanded in custody pending trial.

At the meeting this Monday, CDU councilor Ilda Figueiredo said that such “racist and xenophobic behavior” is unacceptable in Porto and in the country.

Hoping for a quick investigation into what happened early on Friday morning and punishment for those responsible, the communist appealed to the population of Porto for solidarity with everyone.”

PS councilor Rosario Gamboa also rejected “xenophobic, racist, aggressive and violent views” that call into question not only the well-being of the victims, but also the social peace and cordiality that brings people together.

Therefore, like Hilda Figueiredo, the socialist hopes that the investigation will be carried out properly and produce results.

For her part, the BE councilor found the attack unacceptable, calling for zero tolerance for this type of situation.

Maria Manuel Rola realized that action was needed to restore security and stability for those who live and work in the city, emphasizing that no immigrant is a criminal because he is an immigrant.

Also rejecting the attack, Social Democratic councilor Mariana Ferreira Macedo stressed that there is a gradual increase in crime and a sense of insecurity, and it is very important to strengthen the police force.

In his opinion, a meeting with the Minister of Internal Affairs and a review of immigration policy is necessary.

Porto is a “tolerant, open and free city,” so any attacks motivated by hate must be condemned and investigated, said chamber vice-president Filipe Araujo, elected by the movement “Ruy Moreira: Here comes Porto.”

Citing “years of inaction” across several agencies and “significant disinvestment” in public safety, the vice president advocated for increased police resources to mitigate the problem.