Pakistan, Nov. 1 -- Portuguese police have dismantled a protest camp in Lisbon following a massive demonstration against proposed rental law changes. Thousands of protesters marched through the capital, demanding that the centre-right government withdraw its controversial housing bill. Demonstrators fear the legislation could worsen Portugal's growing housing crisis.

Officers entered Rossio Square around 4:30 a.m. GMT on Sunday to remove more than 50 tents. Dozens of police personnel, some accompanied by police dogs, approached the camp after issuing three warnings. Police commander Iuri Rodrigues had cautioned that protesters could face disobedience charges if they resisted the operation.

Hundreds of demonstrators protecting the camp w...