Cape Verde President Visits Family of Man Killed by Police
President José Maria Neves of Cape Verde began his official mission to Portugal on Monday with a solemn act of mourning, visiting the family of Odair Moniz in the Zambujal neighborhood of Amadora. Moniz, a 43-year-old Cape Verdean citizen, was shot and killed by a Public Security Police (PSP) officer exactly one month ago.
In a statement posted online, the Cape Verdean presidency expressed “deep sorrow and solidarity” with the victim’s family. President Neves personally met with the widow, Mónica Moniz, her sister Sílvia Silva, and Moniz’s two children—ages three and 20—to assess their situation and offer direct support during what he described as a “difficult time.” He was accompanied by Miryan Vieira, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, and Eurico Correia Monteiro, the Cape Verdean Ambassador to Portugal.
A Death That Sparked Unrest
Odair Moniz was killed in the early hours of October 21 in the Cova da Moura neighborhood. The PSP maintains that Moniz fled police in a vehicle and later attempted to attack officers with a “bladed weapon” while resisting arrest. However, this version of events has been fiercely contested by civil rights groups like SOS Racism and the Vida Justa (Fair Life) movement, who claim the incident highlights a “culture of impunity” within the police force.
The shooting ignited nights of intense civil unrest across several communities in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. Protests escalated into violence as buses, cars, and trash bins were set on fire, leading to 20 arrests and at least six injuries, including a bus driver who was seriously harmed.
Demanding Answers and Accountability
Following the tragedy, President Neves acknowledged the “revolt and indignation” felt by the Cape Verdean community in Portugal. While he previously called for “calm and serenity,” he has also emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. Portugal’s Ministry of Internal Administration has since ordered an “urgent” inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Meanwhile, the legal proceedings move slowly. The officer who fired the fatal shots remains on medical leave and has yet to provide a formal statement to the Public Ministry, though he did speak with the Judiciary Police immediately following the incident. He currently faces internal disciplinary proceedings.
As the legal battle continues, the community has rallied behind the bereaved family. A crowdfunding campaign launched to support Moniz’s widow and children has already raised more than 29,000 euros, reflecting the widespread public impact of a case that has strained relations between police and the communities they serve.
Image: Pexels – Arina Krasnikova
