World · Malaysia Bureau
Portuguese police arrest 13 as housing protest turns violent in Lisbon
More than 30 demonstrators were injured during clashes between law enforcement and housing activists in Portugal's capital. The incident highlights growing tensions over the country's affordable housing crisis.
LSN Malaysia ·
Police in Lisbon arrested 13 people during a confrontation with housing protesters on Tuesday, according to local activism groups monitoring the demonstration. The Acampada Lisboa collective reported that over 30 protesters sustained injuries in the clash, with approximately one-third requiring hospital treatment.
The demonstration centred on Portugal's persistent housing affordability challenges, which have intensified pressure on low and middle-income residents in major urban centres. Housing activists have organised increasingly visible protests in recent months to draw attention to rising rental costs and limited availability of affordable accommodation.
Police have not yet released an official statement regarding the number of arrests or the nature of the confrontation. The incident marks the latest in a series of demonstrations related to Portugal's housing shortage, a growing political issue affecting the country.
Housing advocates have called for stronger government intervention to address the crisis, including measures to increase affordable housing stock and regulate rental markets. The clash underscores the intensity of public frustration with accommodation costs in Lisbon and other Portuguese cities.