Protesters resume demonstration in Portugal after crackdown

Hundreds of protesters returned to Praca D. Pedro IV, also known as Rossio square, in Lisbon and gathered again in Porto on Sunday afternoon, hours after police used batons and dogs to disperse housing rights encampments in both cities in the early hours of the morning, reported Xinhua.

The pre-dawn operation in Lisbon and Porto, carried out after more than two hours of tension and repeated orders to clear the squares, resulted in 11 injured and 31 detentions for disobedience, according to the PSP public security police.

However, the figures were disputed by protest organizers, who said there were 37 injured in Porto alone. Lisbon hospitals Sao Jose and Santa Maria reported 27 people treated for injuries sustained in the capital, contradicting the police count.

Protesters returned to Rossio square on Sunday afternoon under the slogan "More homes, less baton," with banners reading "Without a home or respect, the street is where I stand up for my rights" and "We don't want fear in the streets, we want rights."

The police presence at the square was minimal compared with the early morning operation, and no tents were set up.

People of all ages attended the afternoon gathering, which was organized by the Acampada de Lisboa movement and which organizers said reflects a cause that goes beyond younger generations.