MIGUEL A. LOPES/LUSA
The Minister of Internal Administration, Luís Neves
Preventive suspension lasts 90 days. The military is accused by the Public Ministry of kidnapping and assaulting three minors in Palmela.
O minister of Internal Administration decided suspend preventively, for 90 diasos four GNR soldiers accused by the Public Ministry of kidnapping and assault of three minors in Palmela.
According to the Ministry of Internal Administration (MAI), Luís Neves’ decision was taken based on the proposal presented by the General Inspectorate of Internal Administration (IGAI).
“Considering the gravity of the facts described and the precautionary requirements that the case imposes, as well as the existence of strong evidence of the practice of very serious infractions – which, if proven, constitute a violation of disciplinary duties, generate social alarm and disturb public order and tranquility, being likely to affect the credibility and trust of citizens – the IGAI considered that this is the appropriate measure”, says the MAI in a statement.
Luís Neves’ decision also took into account that “the infractions in question are subject to the application of a disciplinary penalty of suspension or higher, thus fulfilling the requirements for the application of the precautionary measure of preventive suspension”, provided for in the Disciplinary Regulations of the Republican National Guard (GNR).
Last week, the Public Ministry four soldiers from the GNR of Palmela, who are still in office, three crimes of aggravated kidnapping, one of abuse of power, another of aggravated insult and document forgery.
The four GNR soldiers from Palmela, three men and one woman, are suspected of having, in the early hours of April 11, 2024, kidnapped and attacked three minors who allegedly left the Tejo Youth Center without authorizationin the district of Setúbal, a Private Social Solidarity Institution (IPSS) that at the time supported young people and adults with addictive behaviors and dependencies.
In the note, the minister emphasizes that these behaviors “are completely exceptional in the security forces, in general, and in the GNR, in particular”, but states that “the exercise of State authority is only legitimate when it is based on strict compliance with the law and absolute respect for human dignity”.
“The Minister of Internal Affairs has been very clear: security force professionals who, in demanding circumstances, act in good faith to fulfill their mission have his support. But deliberate behavior that violates the law, functional duties and fundamental rights cannot and will not be tolerated and will always have a firm response”, the MAI also states.
