Prosecution Seeks Convictions in Flamengo Training Center Fire That Killed 10 Teenagers
Rio de Janeiro – The public Prosecution Service of the State of Rio de Janeiro (MPRJ) has formally requested the conviction of all individuals accused in connection with the devastating fire at the Presidente george Helal Training Center, known as the “Nest of the urubu,” belonging to the Flamengo Regatta Club. The fire, which occurred in the early hours of feb. 8, resulted in the deaths of 10 adolescent athletes and injuries to three others.
Extensive Investigation Leads to Call for Justice
Following an extensive criminal investigation that included the testimonies of more than 40 witnesses over three years, the MPRJ asserts that the evidence overwhelmingly demonstrates the criminal liability of the accused. The investigation focused on those who held positions of authority with influence over the governance of the training center.
- Accused Individuals: The MPRJ is seeking convictions for Antonio Marcio Mongelli Garotti and Marcelo Maia de Sá,who were responsible for the containers used to house the adolescent athletes.
- Additional Accusations: Claudia Pereira Rodrigues, Danilo da Silva Duarte, Fabio Hilario da Silva, and Weslley Gimenes, along with Edson Colman da silva, who was contracted to maintain the air conditioning units, also face charges.
Did You Know?
The Presidente George Helal Training Center, often called “Ninho do Urubu” (Nest of the Vulture), is a state-of-the-art facility used by Flamengo for training and player growth. The club is one of Brazil’s most popular and successful soccer teams.
Judicial Process and Exclusions
Initially, 11 individuals were charged in connection with the fire. Though, the judicial process has seen some changes. The court rejected the initial accusations against two of the accused, determining that their connection to the incident was too remote in time and space. Additionally, one individual was summarily acquitted based on the understanding that their actions did not contribute to the crime. A fourth individual was excluded from the proceedings due to reaching an age that, under the Penal Code, resulted in the prescription of the offense.
“A Preventable Tragedy”
The prosecution argues that the tragic event, described as the greatest tragedy in Flamengo’s history,
was entirely preventable.In its closing arguments, the MPRJ meticulously detailed how the actions and omissions of the accused directly contributed to the fire, refuting any notion that it was an unavoidable accident or mere fatality.
In memorials, the prosecutor asserts that the nefarious episode, which became known as “the greatest tragedy in Flamengo’s history”, could and should have been avoided.In the play presented, the MPRJ demonstrates, with technical rigor, how the behaviors of the accused contributed to the occurrence of the crime that reaped the lives of ten teenagers, wholly removing the perception of the event as an inevitable accident or a simple fatality.
MPRJ Closing Arguments
Pro Tip
Understanding legal terminology can be challenging. “Culposo” in this context refers to a crime of negligence, where the act was unintentional but resulted from a failure to exercise reasonable care.
