Portugal's Interior Minister Expels 20 Security Forces Members for Misconduct
Portugal expels 20 police officers for misconduct under new minister's crackdown
Portugal's interior minister has expelled 20 members of the security forces for "deviant behavior" since February—11 from the Public Security Police (PSP) and nine from the National Republican Guard (GNR), the ministry confirmed to Lusa news agency.
Last Tuesday, Luís Neves told parliament that since taking office on February 23, he had signed "numerous expulsion orders" for PSP and GNR officers, vowing to take a "very firm" stance against misconduct within the police ranks.
In a statement to Lusa, the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI) explained that when Neves assumed his role, he found "multiple pending disciplinary cases" involving security personnel, all proposing expulsion as the penalty. These cases were awaiting a final decision from the government, prompting the minister to prioritize their review.
By April 20, all 20 pending cases had been resolved, the MAI said. The PSP and GNR are now formally announcing the disciplinary measures through publication in the Official Gazette (Diário da República).
The ministry specified that the expulsions affect 11 officers from the Public Security Police and nine from the National Republican Guard.
Disciplinary proceedings against security personnel are initiated by the General Inspection of Internal Administration (IGAI), which acts as the oversight body and recommends sanctions to the interior minister, who holds final decision-making authority.
In its response to Lusa, the MAI emphasized that since taking office, Neves has made clear he would be "uncompromising" with security force members who "lack the necessary competence" for their roles and would take a hard line on misconduct.
"The internal administration reaffirms its full commitment to training security personnel in policing and human rights, ensuring respect for all and the proper execution of their duties," the statement concluded.
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