PSP does not see "indiscipline" in police officers with carnations on their uniforms

In recent protests for housing rights in Porto and Lisbon, police officers accepted carnations from demonstrators, wearing them on their uniforms. This act sparked controversy, especially after a police crackdown led to arrests and injuries. The PSP clarified that wearing the flowers does not violate discipline or neutrality, viewing it as a spontaneous gesture. However, the president of the National Police Officers Union disagreed, emphasizing that the uniform should remain neutral and not adorned with symbols, even positive ones. Additionally, police actions against motorists supporting the protests raised further criticism, despite assurances from the PSP that such incidents would not recur. A recent court ruling allowed a protester to maintain a tent, igniting a legal debate on the limits of demonstrations and police conduct.