Shocking Incident in the Heart of Lisbon: Tourist Shooting and Growing Security Debate

The latest incident that took place in the heart of Lisbon, in the Baixa district, drew the reaction of all of us. In an argument that broke out in the middle of the street on Monday, a bullet ricocheted and unfortunately hit a Swedish tourist, approximately 40 years old, who was in the city on holiday. We learned that the woman, who was hospitalized with a bullet that hit her chest, underwent surgery and, thankfully, her life was not in danger.

However, the incident was not limited to this; The real big reaction came from the judiciary.

Harsh Reaction from Carlos Moedas

The last straw was the release of the suspect, who was thought to be connected to the incident, after the first court hearing, on the condition that he only sign at the police station twice a week. Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas criticized this decision very harshly on social media.

Moedas described the decision as "unacceptable" and made it clear that it set a bad example of the weakening of police authority. He did not hide his reaction, saying, "What is at stake is not just the image of Lisbon, but the image of all of Portugal."

The Truth Behind the Event: Bay Leaf Gangs

So how did this fight come about? In fact, there is a problem in Lisbon's tourist densely populated areas that has been known for a while but has never been eradicated. According to PSP (Police Force) sources, the incident stemmed from a showdown between illegal street vendors who were targeting tourists and trying to sell pressed bay leaves disguised as drugs.

Guns exploded during the argument between the two groups, and the suspect, who was caught by the police upon strong suspicions about the incident, was detained due to another domestic violence case, instead of being caught red-handed at the scene. The Judicial Police (PJ) is currently meticulously investigating all the details of the incident, who pulled the trigger and the other suspects who escaped.

Are Security Measures Increased?

Following this unfortunate incident, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that although it was positive that the police quickly identified the suspect, inspections would be increased. From now on, Lisbon City Police and Municipal Police are increasing measures against such illegal street activities, especially in centers where tourists are concentrated.

We hope that such incidents will never happen again and Lisbon will fully return to the safe and peaceful tourism city it deserves.

Source: Lusa (Author: Inês Lopes)

Photo Source: Manuel de Almeida / Lusa