PJ judicial police have launched an operation this morning, from north to south of the country, to combat hate crimes committed against immigrants.
SIC Notícias and CNN Portugal explain that the operation is essentially targeted at members of the Neo-Nazi group 1143, whose ‘leader’ Mário Machado is currently serving jail time for crimes of hatred (on this occasion against female left-wingers).
The operation started at 7am and is focused on exercising more than 30 arrest warrants. It is being conducted by the PJ’s Counterterrorism Unit.
CNN Portugal particularly cites the targeting of “immigrants from Islamic countries” by 1143 – suggesting that Mário Machado has been ‘passing instructions’ to his group from prison.
A source close to the process has also told Lusa that Machado’s cell was searched this morning.
Lusa’s report early today says this mega operation is also investigating the dissemination of xenophobic and racist messages and other content on social media, “which end up in violent street actions with slogans inciting hatred against immigrant communities.”
All those arrested today will be appearing in court shortly. If Mário Machado is found to have been the instigator of various recent ‘attacks’, it may be that he too faces further penalties while serving his current jail sentence.
Sources: LUSA/ SIC
