Mothers for Acampada hold vigil in Rossio against police violence

The group Mothers for Acampada organized a vigil this Saturday in Lisbon in response to the police actions directed at protesters fighting for housing rights. The gathering began at 7:00 PM in Praça dos Restauradores, where mothers, fathers, and grandparents gathered, holding candles and lanterns to symbolize their solidarity and protest.

After the initial gathering, participants silently made their way to Rossio, reaffirming their stance against what they perceive as coercive police interventions. During the event, the group demanded an immediate end to the PSP operations affecting the encampments and called for respect for freedom of expression and protest.

This act of solidarity and protest was organized in a context where the Lisbon City Council, under the leadership of Carlos Moedas, has advocated for the removal of the tents from the movement. The action aimed to draw attention to the housing situation in Lisbon and the difficulties faced by the protesters.

The organizers also emphasized the importance of community and political support, calling for reflection on the ongoing housing policies in the city. The vigil saw not only attendance from members of Mothers for Acampada, but also support from various others who came together to express their discontent.

The vigil in Lisbon coincides with a gathering of the Mothers for Acampada movement in the city of Porto at the same time. This action demonstrates the unity and support of the movement across multiple locations in the country, peacefully demanding the right to housing.

The significant presence of participants and the chants throughout the march reflect a desire for changes in housing policies and the need for a more open dialogue between authorities and citizens on these issues.