Seven Portuguese police officers have been remanded in custody on charges including torture, rape, abuse of power, and serious physical harm stemming from alleged crimes at a Lisbon police station. The Public Security Police (PSP) officers were arrested on March 4th in connection with incidents at the Rato Police Station.
The court cited the risk of continued criminal activity, public order disturbance, and evidence tampering for pre-trial detention. Investigations could involve up to 70 officers from various stations, including some with the rank of chief.
Two other PSP officers are already detained on similar charges at the same station, arrested last July for "possibly committing various crimes, including torture, offenses against qualified physical integrity, embezzlement and forgery." They were formally charged in January.
Nine PSP officers are now detained on suspicion of torture, facing criminal and internal disciplinary proceedings. Officials stated that guilty officers have no place in the force. The Interior Minister emphasized that the complaint originated from the PSP itself, demonstrating internal control.