In a significant nationwide operation, Portuguese police have arrested 37 individuals suspected of belonging to an ultra-right extremist group responsible for hate crimes. The large-scale crackdown involved approximately 300 officers conducting coordinated raids across multiple locations.
Weapons and Propaganda Seized
A spokesperson for the Judicial Police confirmed that searches conducted on Tuesday uncovered various weapons alongside substantial quantities of neo-Nazi propaganda materials. The authorities stated that those detained had actively promoted Nazi ideology and operated from racist and xenophobic motivations.
"Those detained promoted Nazi ideology, inherent to the national-socialist culture and the radical and violent extreme right, acting out of racist and xenophobic motives with the aim of intimidating, persecuting and assaulting ethnic minorities, namely immigrants," the police statement declared.
Group Named After Historical Date
Police sources identified the targeted organisation as "1143", a name referencing the year Portugal became a kingdom. The group's leader, Mario Machado, is currently serving a prison sentence following convictions for racial discrimination, hate speech, and related violent offences.
This operation follows a similar crackdown in June, when police arrested several suspected neo-Nazis believed to be attempting to establish an illegal armed militia, resulting in the seizure of firearms and explosives.
Political Context and Concerns
Human rights organisations have repeatedly expressed concerns about escalating hate speech and attacks against immigrants in Portugal. This development occurs against a backdrop of growing far-right political influence, with the anti-immigration party Chega becoming the country's second-largest parliamentary group last year.
The political landscape remains tense, with Chega leader Andre Ventura recently securing second place in the first round of Portugal's presidential election, advancing to a runoff against Socialist candidate Antonio Jose Seguro. This marks a significant political shift just fifty years after Portugal overthrew its fascist dictatorship.
The extensive police operation represents one of Portugal's most substantial recent actions against far-right extremism, highlighting ongoing concerns about organised hate groups and their international connections.
