Portuguese politician campaigned by attacking Roma, court finds
André Ventura, leader of the Portuguese right-wing Chega party, has been ordered by a court to remove street posters from the presidential campaign that attack the Roma community. A court in Lisbon ruled that the posters were discriminatory and could incite hatred.
Judge Ana Barao pronounced that the visuals "attack an ethnic minority" and ordered their removal within 24 hours, otherwise Ventura faces a fine of 2,500 euros per day for each poster not removed.
His party became the second strongest parliamentary force in the country in May. Ventura, who argues that this is an "attack on freedom of expression", has promised to respect the court's decision. Ricardo Sa Fernandes, a lawyer for Roma associations, described the verdict as a "victory for the resistance" and a step towards a fairer Portugal.
The public prosecutor's office opened an investigation into Ventura's remarks against Roma in May. The politician is one of the favourites for January's presidential election, but polls suggest he would have lost to any of his main rivals in a second round.
(reuters, max)