Sixteen days before the Portuguese snap elections and 82 days before the 50th anniversary of the 25th of April (the end of dictatorship in Portugal), a xenophobic and racist procession unfolded in the old part of the capital city, Lisbon. The event was organised by Portuguese nationalist movement 1143 , and led by Mário Machado, a Portuguese neo-Nazi, featuring chants in support of António de Oliveira Salazar (former prime minister and dictator of Portugal) and repeated renditions of the national anthem. Torches were brandished against the perceived threat of Islamization, reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan's style. The protesters asserted that their opposition is rooted in what they perceive as the Islamization of Europe.
The far-right assembly commenced at the sidewalk of Largo de Camões, in proximity to Bairro Alto (a major tourist location in Lisbon). Gradually, the gathering swelled in numbers. Machado made efforts to greet and engage with the arriving protestors. Eventually, approximately 100 individuals chose to assemble behind two banners bearing the messages: 'Portugal to the Portuguese' and 'Stop Islam'.
After the group gathered, the torches were lit and Machado delivered his speech, recounting historical battles and critiquing Lisbon's mayor, Carlos Moedas, and emphasizing Portugal's 900-year history: "We have always been here and we will continue to be here." His followers chanted back: "Take it easy; the demonstrations won't stop here." Following another address, this time directed at the media and “fellow citizens”, Machado simplified his stance, stating, "The solutions are very simple, three words: Portugal aos Portuguese (Portugal to the Portuguese)" Before proceeding with the march, participants lit numerous red torches, resembling the rioters from the movie The Dark Knight Rises; and all united in singing the Portuguese anthem.
The initial plan was to begin the parade from Rua do Benformoso, linking Martim Moniz to Largo do Intendente (the main streets of commerce of the South Asian merchants, mostly Muslims). This area is nicknamed Banglatown. The street was chosen intentionally by far-right groups for the march against the Islamization of Europe. Despite the Lisbon City Council's refusal to grant authorization, the event later proceeded to an alternative location, as indicated by Mário Machado, who specified Largo Camões at 6:00 pm GMT.
The extreme right-wing demonstration scheduled on Saturday in Lisbon lacked authorisation from both the Lisbon City Council and the Court. Despite the absence of official approval, the organisers insisted that the protest would proceed as planned. This had heightened tension within the local community, prompting numerous (Muslim) merchants to acknowledge plans to close their stores.
Even though the news of the protests spread like wildfire nobody came forward to speak about it. “I just want to believe that this never happened. Salazar died in 1975, I’m not making him famous again” said Maria Mandeiro, a retired Portuguese teacher living near Intendente.
Naheed Iqbal, one of the few individuals willing to speak about the march, immigrated to Portugal in 2005 and runs a mini-market in Martim Moniz. He asserts that in the last 19 years since his arrival, he has never witnessed such a thing as there being a group against Muslims. Expressing concern, he said, "Now, I heard that a march against Muslims is going to take place here. I do not know, let us see. We don't hurt anyone. I work, my friends (from Bangladesh) are working to live at their own expense, and we even help the government. I still don’t know why target us now?"
Simultaneously, in Intendente, a counter-demonstration was organised, characterized as a multicultural festival against racism and xenophobia. Approximately 500 people, mostly from Portugal, participated in the event, marked by dancing, celebrations, and music. As the extremists advanced, they were met with these counter-protestors who, undeterred by potential risks, vociferously opposed their xenophobic and fascist protesters. Slogans like "racists, fascists, will not pass" and "Down with Mário Machado" resonated in the air. Placards and banners conveyed messages such as 'Facho, you are the only foreigner in the neighbourhoods' and '"All immigrants are welcome'. One of the most echoed phrases on Saturday evening was, "April 25 always, fascism never again"
Post the Israel-Hamas conflict, Anti-racism officials throughout Europe have issued a call to law enforcement agencies, urging heightened vigilance against hate crimes targeting Muslims. They emphasize the need to "spare no effort" in safeguarding this community, addressing the surge in Islamophobia in recent times. Signed by representatives from 10 European countries and EU officials, the statement highlights the escalating incidents of hate crimes, hate speech, and threats to civil liberties directed at Muslim communities across Europe in recent months. It observes that Muslim minorities have experienced physical and verbal attacks, fostering an atmosphere where individuals feel "more and more unsafe and threatened, online and offline."
