Portuguese Court Suspends Permission for Protester to Camp in Rossio

A Portuguese court has suspended a decision allowing a protester, Renata Cambra, to camp in Rossio, Lisbon. The suspension comes after the Public Prosecutor's Office appealed the decision, which was made by the Administrative Court of Lisbon on November 1. The court had ruled that the 00:30 limit on protests, imposed by a 1974 decree, was not absolute and allowed Cambra to remain in the area with a tent until November 24.

The Public Prosecutor's Office argued that the appeal should have a suspensive effect, which would temporarily overturn the court's decision. The court accepted this argument, effectively suspending the decision. However, the court also referred the case to the Constitutional Court for a final ruling on the constitutionality of the 00:30 limit. The lawyer representing Cambra, Leonor Caldeira, stated that the Ministry of Internal Affairs has assured the court that it will comply with the decision.

The case is related to a series of protests that have taken place in Lisbon and Porto over the past month. The protests, which have been organized by a group advocating for the right to housing, have been met with police force, including the use of batons and dogs. The protesters are demanding changes to the country's rental laws, an end to demolitions and evictions without alternative housing, and an increase in public housing.

The 00:30 limit on protests has been a contentious issue, with many arguing that it restricts the right to freedom of expression and assembly. The Constitutional Court will now have to rule on whether this limit is constitutional. The court's decision is expected to have significant implications for future protests in Portugal.

The protests have been taking place in response to a new law on rental housing, which has been criticized for favoring landlords and real estate investors. The protesters are also demanding that the government take steps to recover vacant properties and make them available for housing. The government has so far not responded to the protesters' demands.

The suspension of the court's decision has been welcomed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, which has stated that it will comply with the court's ruling. However, the protesters have expressed disappointment and frustration at the suspension, which they see as an attempt to restrict their right to protest.

The case will now be referred to the Constitutional Court, which will have to make a final ruling on the constitutionality of the 00:30 limit. The court's decision is expected to have significant implications for future protests in Portugal and for the country's laws on freedom of expression and assembly.

Key points

• The Portuguese court suspended a decision allowing a protester to camp in Rossio, Lisbon, following an appeal by the Public Prosecutor's Office.
• The case is related to a series of protests that have taken place in Lisbon and Porto over the past month, with protesters demanding changes to the country's rental laws.
• The Constitutional Court will now have to rule on whether the 00:30 limit on protests is constitutional.