The Chega leader’s defence argues that the first-instance decision violates freedom of political expression and contests the daily fine of €2,500 per poster, which it deems excessive.
The appeal also seeks to lift the ban on posting similar messages in the future, arguing that the posters’ content does not constitute an unlawful offence against personality, but rather reflects a subjective interpretation of the facts by the court.
In contrast, the defence of the Roma community’s representatives, led by Ricardo Sá Fernandes, contests the appeal and emphasises that the measures imposed have already been fully complied with by the politician.
The plaintiffs’ lawyers argue that the sanctions are disproportionate and that exercising freedom of expression cannot violate human dignity or promote ethnic discrimination.
Invoking jurisprudence from the European Court of Human Rights, the prosecution reinforces that statements that impute negative behaviours to an entire ethnic group have reduced legal protection, maintaining the conviction that the initial sentence should be confirmed by higher courts.
English
Nederlands
Deutsch
Français
Español
Italiano
Svenska
Pусский
中文
Türkçe
Português
Polski
عربي
Suomi
עִברִית
Português (Brasil)
Ventura acts just like Trump. What really gets me about Trump supporters is that they go along with everything he does and says, because they actually worship him without question. It is totally irresponsible for citizens to do so. We must all question all of our politicians, not worship them. About Ventura’s appeal, perhaps it has merit on the basis of freedom of expression. But the messages on his advertising is hateful. I just hope the Portuguese people do not worship him, and do not buy into the exploitation of issues like immigration, or exaggerated negative views of particular ethnicities.
By JoeT from Algarve on 06 Feb 2026, 14:15
I think the fact that Mr. Ventura shows zero remorse about his racist billboards about the Roma and Bangladesh communities makes clear that he is the wrong person to be President of Portugal. We do not need a racist in this position.
By Debra from Lisbon on 06 Feb 2026, 18:54
Easy to talk when you don't face that immigration in your countries!
By A L Fernandes from Other on 07 Feb 2026, 06:32
I do not think there should be a two-tier legal system in any society. Everyone should live by the laws of the nation. One set of rules for all.
As far as I can tell, Ventura is patriotic and wants what he believes is good for his country. I don’t think that’s racist.
By L from Lisbon on 07 Feb 2026, 23:10
To A L Fernandez,
The issue of immigration has been exploited by ultra-nationalists throughout history. Hitler did so. So has Trump and Ventura. So you think Portugal has an immigration problem? ALL countries have them, but these right-wingers exaggerate them to get people like you to believe them and vote for them. The lies about immigrants in Portugal will have you, and MAGA nuts in the US, believe most immigrants take the welfare and housing, but don’t work. In fact, 80% of immigrants are employed, mostly with jobs no locals want to take, and they pay much more in taxes than they take out in health care, welfare or housing subsidies. They also they cannot just come here and start getting benefits. They are required to get residency, first, which requires them to show they have jobs secured here, and must maintain their employment for an extended period. In the US immigrants come for jobs like working in agriculture as laborers, making very low wages. No one else wants those jobs. Here, immigrants have jobs washing dishes, or as laborers in construction and agriculture, the same as in the US.
Certainly, there are some problems with some immigrants, especially those who commit crimes or are just plain lazy. Those compose a very small percentage of the total.
By JoeT from Algarve on 09 Feb 2026, 17:40