Carlos Moedas criticizes release of suspect in Lisbon tourist shooting

Lisbon Mayor Carlos Moedas has criticized a court decision to release a suspect involved in a shooting on Rua Augusta that injured a Swedish tourist. The incident occurred on August 10 following a dispute between two groups, resulting in a woman in her 40s being shot in the abdomen while at a pastry shop.

Although a suspect was located during a police search, the individual was released by a judge and is now only required to report periodically to a police station. Moedas described the decision as “unacceptable,” stating it sends a “signal of lack of authority” to security forces and damages the reputation of both Lisbon and Portugal.

In response to the incident, the Ministry of Internal Administration announced an increase in police presence in high-traffic tourist areas of the capital. The government also plans to strengthen inspections of illegal and irregular commercial activities in these zones.