It may seem absurd, but it's true. A far-right politician in Portugal has been accused of stealing suitcases at several airports and has been expelled from his political party as a result.
According to some media outlets, Arruda had been selling the items inside the suitcases online. Police questioned Miguel Arruda on Tuesday at Lisbon airport and charged him with luggage theft after some of the lost suitcases were allegedly found at his home.
The 40-year-old denied any wrongdoing, telling broadcaster TVI on Thursday: "I am being publicly crucified... but until proven otherwise, I am innocent."
Arruda, who decided to remain in the assembly as an independent, requested the lifting of his parliamentary immunity. Members of his former party Chega greeted Arruda during Friday's parliamentary session.
The president of the assembly, José Pedro Aguiar-Branco, told Arruda to sit at the back of parliament, where non-partisan lawmakers usually sit.
Local media reported that police had camera footage showing the MP taking his suitcase and a second, smaller one from the luggage carousel and then allegedly putting the second one inside his larger suitcase.
Arruda defended himself by saying that the security footage could have been created by artificial intelligence.
Chega president André Ventura said on Thursday after a meeting with Arruda: "Given these circumstances, I cannot allow him to continue his activity in the parliamentary group . " (A2 Televizion)
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