Portuguese legal professionals sign open letter defending protest rights

More than 200 legal professionals in Portugal, including lawyers, jurists, and law students, have signed an open letter to defend the right to assembly and protest. The signatories expressed “deep concern” regarding recent discourses and practices that they believe jeopardize the exercise of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Portuguese Constitution, specifically mentioning the right to housing.

The letter was prompted by the authorities' response to housing rights demonstrations held in various cities. The professionals argue that the right to protest is not a concession from political power but a fundamental right that does not require prior authorization. They cautioned against attempts to delegitimize social protest or reframe the exercise of fundamental rights as a public security issue under the guise of maintaining order.