The Islamic Cultural Center of Madeira (CCIM) has filed several complaints with the Public Prosecutor’s Office against regional leaders of the Chega party, accusing them of defamation and hate speech. Among those named is Francisco Gomes, a member of Portugal’s parliament elected for Madeira. The case 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 his home and family. His wife, Lisette, said the pressure has caused fear in the household and led them to install an alarm system for safety at night. The Commission for Religious Freedom issued an opinion on 17 March saying remarks by Francisco Gomes and other Chega officials amount to discrimination and incitement to hatred against Muslims, and the decision was approved unanimously by its 11 members. Alongside the complaints, a criminal investigation is already under way at the Department of Investigation and Penal Action in Funchal, and the CCIM has also launched a civil lawsuit seeking the removal of online content and a 5,000 euros penalty for each future violation. Chega leader André Ventura said earlier this week that any criminal responsibility should be assessed by prosecutors or police rather than advisory bodies, while Miguel Castro argued the comments were only expressions of suspicion.
