Lisbon Camp Movement Vows to Continue After Court Rules in Its Favor on Housing Rights

The Lisbon Administrative Court has ruled that the Acampada de Lisboa movement was correct regarding its right to housing, determining that peaceful protests are not automatically subject to a 00:30 curfew and that tents used as part of a demonstration do not require municipal licensing. The movement announced it will remain in Rossio Square until November 24, provided specific conditions such as silence during early morning hours and the absence of fireworks are met.

The Acampada de Lisboa movement has declared that the Lisbon Administrative Court has validated its stance on the right to housing, asserting that security forces previously acted based on an incorrect interpretation of the law. Following a ruling by Judge Ana de Campos, the group confirmed that its protest will continue in Rossio Square until November 24. The court decision recognizes that a peaceful demonstration does not have to end automatically at 00:30 and establishes that the use of tents can be an integral part of the protest itself, rather than being subject to municipal licensing as a simple campsite.

The judgment, issued on November 2, directly contradicts the legal interpretation that underpinned previous police interventions in Rossio. The court explicitly noted that those interventions were based on a reading of the law different from the one now considered correct. Furthermore, the tribunal deemed unconstitutional any legal interpretation imposing an absolute time limit on demonstrations. The ruling clarifies that while protests must remain peaceful, they are not bound by a strict 00:30 deadline, and tents utilized for protest purposes fall outside standard camping regulations.

According to the organization, as long as the conditions defined in the sentence are respected, the Public Security Police (PSP) and Municipal Police are prohibited from dispersing or removing the demonstration. The established conditions include maintaining a peaceful character, ensuring silence between 00:00 and 06:30, keeping pedestrian circulation and emergency access unobstructed, and prohibiting bonfires or pyrotechnic materials. This position follows a decision reported by Observador, where Judge Ana de Campos ruled in favor of an injunction filed by Renata Cambra to halt PSP interventions.

The magistrate determined that the 00:30 limit cannot be interpreted as an automatic restriction on the right to demonstrate and recognized the plaintiff's ability to maintain necessary structures, specifically a tent, at the location. However, the decision does not explicitly clarify whether all protesters are permitted to use tents or if this right is limited solely to Renata Cambra. Regarding the upcoming festive season, the group stated that the protest and the Christmas Market must be made compatible. If coexistence in the same square proves impossible, as defined by the magistrate, a nearby location will be arranged for one of the initiatives.

Sources: Observador.

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