The Prime Minister, Ulisses Correia e Silva, spoke publicly about the death of Odair Moniz, a Cape Verdean, victim of a shooting by a Public Security Police (PSP) agent in Portugal. The head of Government reinforced confidence in the Portuguese authorities and appealed for tranquility.
“We are closely following recent events in Portugal, namely the tragic death of our fellow citizen Odair Moniz. From the first moment, Cape Verde positioned itself through our ambassador in Portugal, who had a clear and firm intervention”, Correia e Silva told journalists.
The Head of Government stated that he trusts the Portuguese judicial system and called for the case to be treated with the necessary seriousness.
“We trust in Portuguese justice and its institutions. The process is in the criminal investigation phase and we hope that it will be conducted with the necessary speed and that there will be due accountability, if the investigation of the facts so determines”, he appealed.
He also appealed for tranquility and asked that the riots and episodes that have been followed in the media do not worsen the situation, creating an explosive environment that could get out of control.
“This is a moment that affects both Cape Verde and our communities in the diaspora, as we are facing a Cape Verdean and also a Portuguese citizen. Therefore, we reiterate: we hope that justice will be done”, he highlighted.
Ulisses Correia e Silva also revealed that he had already sent a letter of condolences to the victim’s family.
On the same occasion, the Government leader criticized the statements of some political figures in Portugal, repudiating what he classified as irresponsible speeches.
“We strongly repudiate the incendiary speeches given by certain political actors. I particularly highlight the statements made by Chega’s president, which were absolutely irresponsible”, he declared, referring to the tone used in statements that blamed immigrants.
“At such a delicate moment and still in the investigation phase, blame cannot be placed especially on Cape Verdean communities, immigrants or immigration. It is essential to wait for the full investigation of the facts and trust in the criminal investigation”, concluded the Prime Minister.
Odair Moniz, 43 years old, was shot by a PSP agent in the early hours of Monday, in the neighborhood of Cova da Moura, in Amadora, and died shortly afterwards, at Hospital São Francisco Xavier, in Lisbon.
Following Moniz’s death, a total of 60 incidents were recorded on Tuesday night in Greater Lisbon.
Among the episodes recorded is the destruction of a Carris bus that was set on fire in Bairro do Zambujal, after being stolen by a group of young people who demanded that the passengers and the driver leave its interior. Hours later, and late into the night, a second bus was set on fire, as well as several rubbish bins and a light vehicle.
It should be noted, however, that the president of Chega, André Ventura, spoke out against the constitution as the defendant of the PSP agent who shot Moniz and who said he should “thank him for the work he did in stopping a criminal”.
On Wednesday, the 23rd, the President of the Republic, José Maria Neves, also expressed “deep sadness” over the death of Odair Moniz. In his note of condolence, José Maria Neves expressed solidarity with the bereaved family, friends and everyone who lived with the young man, conveying “the most heartfelt condolences” and appealed for calm, serenity and trust in the Portuguese authorities.
