Portuguese police clear Lisbon housing protest camp, make arrests

Portuguese police cleared a housing protest camp from the centre of Lisbon in the early hours of Sunday, charging demonstrators and making several arrests, with minor injuries reported, though figures were not immediately available.



Portugal is grappling with one of Europe's most acute home affordability crises, as prices have more than doubled since 2017, while rents for new leases have nearly doubled, with young people among the hardest hit.



Shortly after 2 a.m., dozens of officers, some with police dogs, moved in on the camp in Rossio Square, after warning protesters to remove their tents or face their dismantling, and threatening disobedience charges for those who resisted.



Protesters had pitched more than 100 tents after Saturday's protest march by thousands along one of the capital's main avenues.



Hundreds gathered to protect the encampment after police dismantled a similar camp there on Tuesday.