Controversial discussion about animal rights and offensive language resurfaces following the demise of a Portuguese bullfighter
In a shocking turn of events, Manuel Trindade, a 22-year-old bullfighter, lost his life after being struck by a bull at Lisbon's Campo Pequeno bullring. This tragic incident has sparked a renewed debate about the practice of bullfighting in Portugal.
Inês Sousa Real, a member of parliament and spokesperson for the Partido PAN, has spoken out against bullfighting, calling it an "abnormality that must stop." In response to Manuel's death, her party sent a letter to the government this week, calling for the suspension of bullfighting shows at Campo Pequeno. Sousa Real also expressed condolences to the bereaved family and stated that the death of a young man of just 22 is always to be regretted.
The Partido PAN has been vocal in their demand for the closure of bullfighting events at Campo Pequeno. They have proposed to parliament to ban minors from attending bullfights and sent a letter to the government requesting the suspension of bullfighting shows there.
Bullfighting is a cultural heritage in Portugal, having its first references dating back to 1258, during the reign of King Afonso III. However, unlike Spain and France, bullfighting is not allowed in the square in Portugal. At the moment, the places where it is permitted to kill animals in the arena are Barrancos and Monsaraz.
Forcados, a type of bullfighter who performs dangerous stunts close to the bull, gradually appeared in bullfighting art, with the first written mention dating back to 1661. Manuel Trindade was part of the Grupo de Forcados Amadores de São Manços, one of Portugal's oldest bullfighting troupes.
In an open letter on Facebook, Alzira Beringel, Manuel Trindade's mother, expressed anger and disbelief at those celebrating her son's death. She wrote, "My son donated his organs and 'will live on in seven people to bother you.'" The IRA, a non-governmental organization, denounced false and defamatory information about PAN regarding Manuel Trindade's death and expressed condolences to Alzira Beringel.
The IRA also stated that the real culprit is not the critical voices but the event itself, the bullfight. Sousa Real's party has submitted a proposal to Parliament to prevent minors from entering bullfights, aiming to protect young people from the potential dangers associated with this traditional practice.
Manuel Trindade's death occurred during his first attempt to catch a bull and his first performance in the Campo Pequeno bullring. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether this tragic event will lead to significant changes in the future of bullfighting in Portugal.
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