Cracking Down: Torture Allegations Rock Lisbon Police

Portuguese authorities have detained 15 police officers in Lisbon due to allegations of torture, increasing the total involved to 25. The charges stem from officers allegedly torturing vagrants and migrants and sharing images online. Two officers face trial for torture, with further charges pending.

In a significant development, Portuguese law enforcement detained 15 police officers on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged torture at two Lisbon precincts. This brings the total number of officers charged or arrested in relation to these cases to 25, as confirmed by police and prosecutors.

The investigation initially began in January when prosecutors charged two officers with torturing vagrants and migrants and distributing images of these acts in an online chat frequented by other officers, prompting a comprehensive inquiry. These officers are currently awaiting trial for charges including torture, acts of cruelty, and abuse of power. One of the officers also faces charges of rape, robbery, and forgery. Seven additional individuals were detained in March.

On Tuesday, the police confirmed the detentions, which encompassed one civilian, but declined to specify whether those detained were suspected of directly carrying out torture or failing to report abuse they had witnessed. Prosecutors indicate that reports of the abuse came internally from the police as well as a few victims, though most officers aware of these acts remained silent. Rights groups like Amnesty International have been outspoken about police brutality in Portugal, acknowledging the investigation while criticizing the culture of impunity reflected by the sharing of images and messages regarding the abusive acts.