Portuguese police told to remove racist tattoos within six months

FILE PHOTO: A protester holds a sign reading "Say no to racism" during an anti-racism protest in honour of Bruno Cande in Lisbon, Portugal, July 31, 2020. REUTERS/Catarina Demony/File Photo

LISBON (Reuters) - Portugal's police force has ordered officers with tattoos bearing racist symbols or language to remove them within six months.

The ban, which coincides with increasing ethnic tensions in the country, refers to "racist, extremist or violence-promoting symbols, words or drawings", the force said in a statement. It also covers earrings, bracelets and rings, the force said in a statement.