Lisbon Chamber approves vote of condolence for victims of ‘heinous attack’ on Ismaili Center

The Lisbon Chamber approved this Wednesday a vote of condolence over the deaths of two women victims of a “heinous attack” in the Ismaili Center, emphasizing that the municipality “is and always will be an open city, full of diversity and inclusiveness”.

“This is a moment of remorse and solidarity with the victims of this heinous attack,” says the vote, adopted unanimously in open session of the chamber and signed by all councilors of the municipal executive, namely the leadership of the SDP / CDS-PP, PS, PCP, BE, Livre and Cidadãos Por Lisboa (elected by the PS/Livre coalition).

This is an attack that took place on Tuesday at 11:00 am at the Ismaili Center in Lisbon by a “man armed with a large knife”, which killed two people and was eventually detained by the police. and taken to hospital with injuries, according to the Public Security Police (PSP).

Also on Tuesday, a police source told the Lusa news agency that the alleged perpetrator of the attack was of Afghan nationality and that the two dead women were Portuguese citizens.

On that day, Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas (SDP) traveled to the Ismaili Center to express solidarity with the families of the victims and emphasize the importance of this community to the city.

As a sign of regret and solidarity, the council refers to the fact that as a result of the attack, “two women were mortally wounded and a third seriously injured”, adding that an investigation into the context and motives of the incident should be carried out “to the fullest extent by the competent authorities.”

“As a result of this tragic incident, Farana Sadrudin, 49, and Mariana Zhadaugi, 24, who worked at the facility, died of social integration,” the vote said, emphasizing the contribution that the victims made to achieve the rights of people in a situation of asylum and economic vulnerabilities.

In view of the “disgusting attack”, the Lisbon Chamber condemns this act and expresses its sympathy to the relatives and friends of the victims, as well as to the Ismaili Center, emphasizing the superiority of the PSP in its prompt and effective intervention.

During the vote, the municipal authorities emphasized that the Ismaili Center is developing exemplary social work in the Portuguese capital and around the world, being “one of the great symbols of Lisbon’s identity, despite all the work it has done over the years.” that the city recognizes, praise and gratitude.

“The reasons for this attack are yet to be determined, but now is not the time for ‘justice in public’ as it should never be. democratic rule of law,” he emphasizes.

In the approved document, the council emphasizes that “Lisbon is and will always be an open city, full of diversity and inclusiveness”, that it is proud of this brand and “struggles every day to ensure that this image, which has always been its DNA, is not diminished or affected “.

“Separate actions should not be confused with the stereotypical images that xenophobia and racism are trying to create. Reality shows the obvious. In Portugal in general and in Lisbon in particular, there are many refugees, humble, peace-loving people who seek to find dignity and respect in our territory, which, unfortunately, they cannot count on in their native lands,” emphasizes the municipal executive body, considering that refugees living in Portugal are well integrated and socialized in the society in which they are included.

Demonstrating the awareness that “the episode is sure to be used by those who fuel populism, intolerance and discrimination”, the Lisbon Chamber reiterates its commitment to networking, solidarity and inclusive work, striving for social cohesion and supporting people in situations of greater fragility.

“Reception of refugees is and always will be the business of the city,” he emphasizes.

National Director of the Judicial Police (JP) Luis Neves said this Wednesday that there was “no indication” that the attack on the Ismaili Center on Tuesday was a terrorist attack, admitting that it was the result of “an outbreak of the aggressor’s psychosis.” “.