A far-right group known as Habeas Corpus (HC) disrupted an LGBTI+ event on Tuesday, May 27. The target was a reading club organized by the Lisbon libraries in partnership with Ilga Portugal.

According to witnesses, the disruption began shortly after the reading club session commenced. Djalme dos Santos, a member of HC known for interrupting similar events, attempted to introduce a “contradictory” perspective on the book being discussed, Give and receive love in all its forms, by Sara Dias Oliveira.

Before delivering what witnesses described as a homophobic speech, Djalme dos Santos reportedly called the organizers “ideological terrorists,” and classified homosexuality as “a disease.”

António Vale, the president of amples, who was invited to present the book by Sara Dias Oliveira, stated that unlike previous incidents, Djalme dos Santos acted with only one other member who filmed the intervention. Vale is included in the Habeas Corpus LGBTQia+ List of Terrorists, updated monthly on social media, marking him as a target for the group.

Djalme dos Santos focused his accusations of “terrorism” mainly on António Vale. The situation remained calm until the Municipal Police arrived. The session,which began at 6:30 pm,was interrupted until the HC members left the orlando Ribeiro Library in Telheiras around 7:50 pm,after which the attendees resumed their discussion.

Background of Habeas Corpus Disruptions

Habeas Corpus, founded by former judge Rui da Fonseca and Castro, who now leads the Ergue-Te party, previously attempted to disrupt the book’s release in October at the Buchholz Bookstore in Lisbon. on that occasion, their entry was blocked by attendees.

In March, HC also disrupted a human rights event at the Order of Lawyers titled “Equality under construction: the human rights of LGBT+.” Fernanda de Almeida Pinheiro, president of the Order, confirmed plans to file a criminal complaint following that incident.

“I consider them ideological terrorists,” said Djalme dos Santos before delivering what witnesses described as a homophobic speech.

Understanding Far-Right Disruptions of LGBTI+ Events

Far-right groups have increasingly targeted LGBTI+ events in recent years, often employing tactics of disruption and intimidation. These actions are rooted in opposition to LGBTI+ rights and aim to suppress visibility and dialog.