The Lisbon PCP has filed a complaint alleging that the removal, by the Lisbon Chamber, of political propaganda posters of the Marquês de Pombal “violates the political right of citizens and democratic legality”, was announced this Tuesday.
In a note, the Lisbon PCP ruled that “the act of removing political posters from Praça Marquês de Pombal by the CML [Câmara Municipal de Lisboa]beyond the manifest expression of the anti-democratic views and abuse of power that it constitutes in itself, aims to divert the attention of Lisboners from the various problems of the city to which the CML does not answer”.
“It is an arbitrary and reprehensible act, beyond the powers of the autarchy, in violation of the freedom of expression, law and constitution of the republic. The PCP presented yesterday [segunda-feira] complaint to the Department of Investigation and Criminal Action of an act that jeopardizes the right to propaganda and violates citizens’ political rights and democratic legality”he added.
A week ago, the municipality removed the last “billboards” (including supports), existing in Praça Marquês de Pombal, with posters of four entities that did not comply with the notification for their removal: the MUDAR movement and the PAN, PCP and We Burgers !
Previously, Carlos Moedas had warned in statements to the Lusa agency that he wanted to end “total impunity” regarding the posters installed at the Marquês in recent years, sparking criticism from several parties, including the PCP.
Monday, during the Pre-Agenda Period (PAOD) of the public meeting of the Lisbon chamber, the mayor, Carlos Moedas, was accused by PCP councilor João Ferreira of committing a crime by removing the politicians from ‘billboards’ .
“It has illegally removed party structures from the Marquês de Pombal. This attitude violates freedom of expression and constitutes the crime of damaging propaganda structures,” the communist councilor said, arguing that the municipality “was not authorized to do so”.
In response to the communist councilor, Carlos Moedas assured that he would again remove the “billboards” from Marquês de Pombal Square and challenged the PCP to file a criminal complaint if necessary.
“I would do what I did again. I did it on legal grounds and I’m happy. If you want to take me to court and put up the posters, then go. Do whatever you want.’he said.
The Social Democrat said people “didn’t want visual pollution in Marquês de Pombal”, stressed that the square is “a special area of common protection” and is part of the “list of properties of municipal interest and other real estate cultural property”, he made himself available to find another place in the city to put the ‘billboards’, ‘where that is decided and wherever the other parties want’.
Source: DN
