The National TVDE Movement Association has condemned the alleged assault of a TVDE driver in Achada do Teixeira, Santana, describing the incident as “deeply disturbing.”
In a statement, the association expressed its “deepest condemnation and indignation” over the incident, which it says took place on Friday. According to the association, the driver suffered a dislocated shoulder during the alleged assault and was taken to hospital.
The association said a criminal complaint has been filed and that the alleged assailants, whom it identifies as taxi drivers, have been identified by the security forces. It added that the matter is now subject to the appropriate legal process and that the relevant authorities will determine responsibility for the incident.
The National TVDE Movement Association argues that the incident reflects what it describes as an ongoing problem within the sector. It says it has received a number of complaints from passengers alleging that some taxi operators in Achada do Teixeira have charged between €25 and €35 per person for journeys from the area.
The association further alleges that some of the taxi drivers operating there are not licensed to work within the municipality of Santana and claims they have been operating outside their authorised geographical area while using intimidation to control passenger transport.
The allegations have not been independently verified, and no public response has been issued by representatives of the taxi sector or the authorities at the time of publication.
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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