On 11 December, we went to a demonstration. We went to exercise a basic right, believing that being together in a public space was safe. It wasn’t.

At the end of the demonstration, hundreds of people remained in front of the Assembly of the Republic. The atmosphere was calm. There were no clashes, no warnings, no orders to disperse. And yet, without any warning, the police began firing at everyone present.

No one knew there might be gunfire. People of all ages were present. Within minutes, a moment of civic participation turned into a scene of panic, fear and blood. Five people were shot in the head. Ten were hit in other vital parts of the body, such as the chest, torso and neck.

It is difficult to explain what it is like to realise that you could have died there. That you could have been blinded. That you could have come away a different person forever. We were all just there to demonstrate. And it was by sheer luck that this did not happen.

The shooting began at around 7.37 pm and continued for almost an hour. We were first helped by other people who were at the demonstration and, later, by the emergency services. The pavement in front of the Assembly was covered in blood. One by one, the victims were rushed into ambulances in a state of panic after being shot.

As well as being shot, many people were violently beaten with batons. Some walked away with deep bruises, severe pain and serious injuries. Most of the victims had to go to hospital that night. Some required stitches and underwent urgent medical examinations. Others have medical reports confirming that the marks on their bodies were caused by assaults.

Months on, there are still those living with the consequences of that day. Some have lost their hearing. Others struggle to concentrate, suffer from constant body aches and severe headaches. There are wounds that cannot be seen, but which remain wide open.

We have launched this campaign because we know that this was not normal, it was not acceptable and it was not lawful. And because we know that, if we remain silent, it could happen again – to us or to others.

We already have the support of lawyers and we are going to proceed with a class action to hold those responsible to account. We are not doing this out of revenge. We are doing it because we believe that nobody should be afraid to leave their home to take part in a demonstration. Because nobody should leave a protest with a bullet in their body.

The group is being represented by two lawyers and we will be filing three complaints: one with the administrative court, a criminal complaint with the DIAP (Department of Investigation and Criminal Action) and a disciplinary complaint with the IGAI (General Inspectorate of Internal Administration). We will need to pay the lawyer 1,500 euros as early as February so that he can begin the proceedings; we estimate that the total cost could reach 5,000 euros, depending on how long it takes to conclude the case.

We will also seek legal support to ensure there are no further associated costs, should, for example, the judge call in experts to carry out inspections or should we need to lodge an appeal.

Over the past month, we have been trying to recover from this real nightmare. Some of us took weeks to be able to sleep without reliving what had happened. Three of the victims gave a television interview, featuring footage recorded on the day itself, which helped to bring to light a reality that many people were unaware of.

This campaign is about us, but it is also about everyone who has ever suffered police violence and never had the means to defend themselves.

If you can contribute, any amount helps. Even a small amount makes a difference. If you are unable to donate, we ask you to share this campaign. Visibility is also a form of protection.

We are alive. And that is why we will not remain silent. Thank you for helping us turn fear into justice.

UPDATES as of 12/09/2026:

-Complaints already submitted:

• to the IGAI and the DIAP. (still pending at the Administrative Court)

- Fundraising events organised by the victims and/or their allies:

• “The body pays the price”, 24 April 26, Casa do Comum, Lisbon
• “The body pays the price”, 5 March, Casa Capitão, Lisbon
• 21 February 26 at the RDA, Lisbon
• 4 July 2026, Benefit in Porto

-Amounts already paid:

• 1,500 in March 2026
• 1,000 in June 2026