A journey marked by clashes with the authorities
Gilson Alves’s problems with institutions, authorities, and the justice system did not begin in Cape Verde, nor did they arise solely when he entered political life. In 2009, while working as a resident physician at São João Hospital in Porto, the current Cape Verdean presidential candidate was already involved in a professional dispute that became a public issue and ended up in court.
The doctor contested the organization of the department and denounced work schedules he considered inhumane, even claiming that he worked 72 hours in just four days. He accused his superiors of persecution and psychological harassment, while hospital administration pointed to inappropriate behavior and attitudes deemed incompatible with medical practice. At the time, Gilson Alves even underwent a psychological evaluation.
The conflict culminated in his removal from clinical practice, a preventive suspension, the initiation of disciplinary proceedings, and a criminal complaint filed by the hospital.
HUNGER STRIKE BROADCAST ON THE INTERNET
In June 2009, Gilson Alves began a hunger strike in a hospital office, broadcasting his protest live via a blog on the Internet.
On August 12, the administration of São João Hospital announced that it had filed a criminal complaint, alleging that the doctor was walking around the premises wearing T-shirts bearing the swastika and hurling insults at the institution’s officials and staff.
Eleven surgeons from the Thoracic Surgery department also issued a statement rejecting the resident’s accusations of persecution.
FROM PROFESSIONAL CONFLICTS TO LEGAL PROBLEMS
The Porto incident precedes other confrontations Gilson Alves has had with institutions and authorities.
In February 2025, he was sentenced by the São Vicente Court to four years and ten months in prison, with a four-year suspended sentence, for bodily harm, after being acquitted of the charge of attempted murder.
In March 2026, he was arrested again as part of an investigation related to a video announcing his presidential candidacy, in which he appeared accompanied by hooded and armed men.
In November 2026, the Attorney General’s Office announced a new investigation into allegations of public incitement to commit a crime and public glorification of crime, following statements made during the presidential pre-campaign.
Seventeen years after the conflict at São João Hospital, Gilson Alves’s public career continues to be marked by clashes with institutions, controversies, and legal proceedings.
Onda Kriolo
