Stories from Lisbon · Portugal

A no-confidence motion has passed in Portugal, according to reports. PSD leader Sorin Grindano stated that life continues after the motion and that responsible parties have a duty to find a solution. The PSD was previously part of the governing coalition.

The Public Prosecutor issued 16 new arrest warrants regarding alleged torture at a PSP police station in Rato, Lisbon. The investigation involves 15 police officers and one civilian. Charges include serious torture, completed and attempted rape, abuse of power, illegal weapon possession, and offenses against integrity. New searches were conducted today as part of the ongoing case that previously led to the detention of nine police officers. Police have detained individuals in the Rato and Bairro Alto areas of Lisbon. The investigation follows previous arrests related to the same allegations. Sixteen people have been detained in connection with an alleged torture case involving the Public Security Police (PSP) in Lisbon. An investigation is ongoing regarding alleged torture occurring within Portuguese Public Security Police (PSP) stations in Lisbon.

José Penedos, a former Socialist Party leader and administrator for EDP, has died in Lisbon at the age of 80. Penedos served as the president of the Coimbra Federation of the Socialist Party. A private funeral ceremony for his family is being held today, according to the Lusa agency.

Ten additional Public Security Police (PSP) agents have been detained in Sintra as part of an investigation into alleged torture at the Largo do Rato police station in Lisbon. The warrants target 15 police officers and one civilian. Dozens of searches were also conducted at homes and schools, according to the report. André Ventura announced a debate regarding security forces at the Assembly of the Republic for next week. Nine PSP agents are already in preventive custody in connection with the torture allegations. Nine individuals have been placed in pre-trial detention as part of an ongoing investigation into crimes of torture. The investigation involves agents of the PSP, according to reports from Antena 1 RTP HLS and Radio Observador. The remaining officers face suspension from duties. Fourteen police officers are facing suspension of functions in Lisbon.

Interior Minister Luís Neves called for respect for the presumption of innocence regarding certain agents. His statements were made on the sidelines of an anniversary ceremony for the Special Police Unit.

The Portuguese government has extended current ground handling licenses for Lisbon, Porto, and Faro airports until October 25. This extension occurs while a new tender for national airport ground operations remains unfinished.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control stated that antivirus outbreaks represent a very low risk to the European population. The agency provided this assurance during a news segment. No specific virus types or exact risk percentages were detailed in the report. An ongoing pneumonia virus outbreak has an incubation period of up to six weeks, with a low chance of wider public health risk despite potential for more cases. A German radio station reported that the danger from a virus to the general population remains low.

The Ministry of Finance has accused Rosário Palma Ramalho of conducting negotiations in an incompetent manner.

The PSD and CDS parties are recommending that the Portuguese government create a civic-military volunteer program to attract young people to the Armed Forces. The proposed program includes a monthly payment of 439 euros and the option to obtain a driver's license free of charge. The recommendation is scheduled to be presented in Parliament this morning. António Nunes, president of the Liga dos Bombeiros, welcomed the proposal during a TSF forum. The initiative aims to increase attractiveness for young people to join the military.

Ana Lebre, head of the infection prevention and control program at the Directorate-General for Health, stated that up to half of healthcare-acquired infections could be avoided with proper hand hygiene.