Portugal's PM learned from the press that a neo-Nazi group had planned an attack on his residence, prompting a sharp exchange with prosecutors

Portugal's prime minister was caught off guard on 19 June when a long-running terrorism indictment became public and revealed his official residence had been a potential target of the neo-Nazi group Movimento Armilar Lusitano (MAL). Speaking from Brussels after a European Council meeting, Luís Montenegro expressed dismay that neither he nor his family had received any prior warning from the authorities.

The indictment

Nine defendants, including a PSP police chief who was on assignment with the Lisbon Municipal Police, are charged with terrorism offences. According to the Public Prosecutor's Office (MP), the group's leaders drew up a 'list of undesirables' containing roughly 40 politicians and more than 80 other public figures, including journalists and academics. The MP said the planning included the possible use of explosive devices and military-grade weapons against the prime minister's home as early as the beginning of last year.

PM's reaction

I was completely taken by surprise by that news yesterday when I was in a meeting context, not even reachable, and I deeply regret that a matter that endangers the safety of a citizen – in this case the prime minister and his family, but it could apply to any Portuguese person – was not shared with those concerned.

Montenegro said the episode was 'extremely delicate' because his wife and children learned of the threat through the media while he was still in the sealed Council meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky and EU leaders, unable to speak with them.

Prosecutor's office pushes back

The Prosecutor-General's Office (PGR) countered that the investigation only became aware of the target list at a late stage, after seizing and analysing eight terabytes of digital evidence. It stressed that by then the main defendants were already in pre-trial detention, so 'there was no concrete danger to any of the entities'.

The investigation only became aware of the list of persons and entities that MAL members identified as targets or threats at an advanced stage of the proceedings, during the very extensive and time-consuming analysis of eight terabytes of digital evidence seized from the defendants.

Justice minister pledges review

Justice Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice confirmed she had already spoken with the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Judicial Police. She said all parties would 'reflect' to ensure that, whenever communication is necessary, it actually takes place.

I think we will all reflect, starting with those who have responsibility in the matter, so that these kinds of situations, when communication is needed, are communicated.

Broader significance

The case raises questions about how security threats against high-profile figures are handled and whether the current protocols adequately protect those at risk. Montenegro insisted the principle goes beyond his own position: any citizen facing a threat involving explosives and military weaponry deserves to be told directly, before the information reaches the press.