In a note published on the Presidency's website, it is stated that Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa condemns the "racist attacks" that occurred in Porto.

"Upon learning of the racist attacks perpetrated during last night in Porto, the President of the Republic emphasizes the vehement condemnation of racial violence and xenophobia, practices that have no place in Portuguese society", the note states.

The Head of State expressed solidarity with the victims of the attacks and thanked "the security forces for their rapid intervention".

The President of the Republic also conveyed a "vote of confidence in the defense of the Rule of Law and Human Rights, certain that [the security forces] will remain attentive to their respect".

Six men were identified and one was arrested, for possession of an illegal weapon, following the attacks on immigrants in Porto, according to the PSP spokesman, Sérgio Soares, who updated the information saying that the judge ordered the preventive detention of the detainee.

In the early hours of Friday in Porto, the PSP was alerted around 1:00 am to an assault in Campo 24 de agosto, on two immigrants, by a group of four or five men who fled before the arrival of the Police agents, said the spokesman, indicating that the two assaulted were assisted at Hospital São João.

About 10 minutes later, in Rua do Bonfim, 10 immigrants were attacked, in the house where they were, by a group of 10 men, armed with sticks and, the PSP has not yet been able to confirm, by a firearm, said the same source.

Still according to the PSP official, around 3:00 am, in Rua Fernandes Tomás, another immigrant was also assaulted by other suspects, one of whom was using a firearm.

At this time, with the reinforced police contingent, it was possible to intercept one of the suspects of assault in Rua Santo Ildefonso, in possession of an extendable baton, he reported.

Around 5:00 am, the vehicle used in the 1:00 am attack was intercepted, with five suspects inside, all of whom were identified, he added.

Given the suspicion of the existence of a hate crime, the matter was transferred to the Judiciary Police, he concluded.

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