Portugal’s PJ police are carrying out searches at Albufeira town hall this morning as part of an investigation into alleged hate speech involving local mayor Rui Cristina.
According to CNN Portugal, which has just broken the story, the case centres on suspected crimes of racial discrimination and incitement to hatred, linked to statements the mayor – elected by Portugal’s far-right party, Chega – allegedly made during a municipal assembly meeting regarding housing for members of the Roma community.
A search warrant issued by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Évora authorised investigators to seize and copy digital material at the town hall, CNN Portugal adds. This includes computers and other devices that may contain emails or message exchanges considered relevant to the case.
The investigation is ongoing.
