PSP crashes riot of Moroccan migrants at Porto airport

The group was detained at Sá Carneiro Airport, after being intercepted in the Algarve. Judge extended detention for another 30 days.

Eleven migrants of Moroccan nationality were detained this Thursday, after having staged a riot that wreaked havoc in the Temporary Installation Center (CIT) at the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport, in Porto. The riots, which forced the intervention of the Special Police Unit’s Intervention Corps, took place after the group was notified of the judicial decision that obliges them to stay another 30 days in those facilities of the Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF).

These 11 migrants were part of the group of 22 men who, on June 15, were intercepted by the Maritime Police when they were preparing to land on a beach in Loulé. While nine elements were placed at CIT Faro, the rest headed for Porto, where they have caused several problems. On July 4, three of them even managed to escape from the airport facilities, however, they were picked up by the PSP when they circulated on the Via Regional Interior that gives access to the airport.

This Thursday, the riot started when migrants were notified of the decision by the Loulé Court to extend their detention at the CIT for another 30 days.

Dissatisfied with not being able to leave the SEF facilities, the migrants destroyed chairs, tables and even the walls of that place. In between, they also assaulted another foreign citizen who was held in the same place. The violence used by the group forced the PSP Intervention Corps to be activated, which impelled the rebels. The migrants were then arrested by SEF inspectors and will be taken to court today to learn about coercion measures.

They asked for asylum

The migrants had been in the Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport CIT for almost 60 days waiting for the decision on the application for humanitarian asylum that they submitted as soon as they were intercepted by the Maritime Police in the Algarve. As long as there is no decision, they are required to remain retained for a maximum period of 90 days.

However, his desire was always to leave the CIT Porto facilities as soon as possible.

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