The Islamic Cultural Center of Madeira (CCIM) has filed several complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against regional Chega leaders, including Francisco Gomes, a member of Portugal’s parliament elected for Madeira. The action follows weeks of public statements and social media posts that the center says spread false and discriminatory claims about its activities and members. Umair Tariq, president of the CCIM, said the situation has worsened over time and described daily videos, online harassment, and threats directed at the Muslim community. His wife, Lisette, said the pressure has had a psychological impact on the family and that they installed an alarm system at home to feel safer at night. The Commission for Religious Freedom issued an opinion on 17 March saying the remarks by Francisco Gomes and other Chega officials amount to discrimination and incitement to hatred, and it approved that view unanimously with all 11 members. The CCIM also has a criminal investigation underway at the Department of Investigation and Penal Action in Funchal and has filed a civil lawsuit seeking the removal of online content and a 5,000 euros penalty for each future violation. The complaint argues that the language used against Muslims creates hostility and may encourage intimidation, exclusion, or violence, while André Ventura said criminal responsibility should be decided by prosecutors or police rather than advisory bodies.
