rio de Janeiro Reels After Deadly Police operation Leaves Over 130 Dead
A recent police operation in Rio de Janeiro has resulted in a significant loss of life, sparking outrage and calls for examination. As of Wednesday, authorities have confirmed 119 deaths, while the Public Defender’s office reports at least 132 fatalities. The operation, led by Rio State Governor Claudio Castro, an ally of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, targeted Comando Vermelho, a powerful criminal organization with roots dating back to the 1970s.
The operation led to 113 arrests and the seizure of 91 assault rifles and a “large quantity of drugs.” It has already surpassed the 1992 Carandiru massacre, where 111 inmates were killed during a prison riot intervention near Sao Paulo, in terms of death toll.Previous large-scale operations in Rio’s favelas in 2021 (Jacarezinho - 28 deaths) and 2022 (Vila Cruzeiro – 25 deaths) also resulted in significant casualties. Governor Castro has deemed Tuesday’s operation a “success.”
The federal government,under President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva,was reportedly unaware of the operation’s planning and execution. Lula expressed being “stunned” by the number of deaths.
Concerns are mounting over a lack of clarity, as the identities of most of those killed and arrested remain undisclosed, raising questions about weather those killed were subject to judicial warrants. Thiago “Belao” do Nascimento Mendes, allegedly the right-hand man of a key comando Vermelho leader, was among those arrested, while the alleged leader, “Doca” Alves de Andrade, remains at large.
The Brazilian Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Governor Castro next Monday to provide “detailed information” about the operation. UN Secretary-General Antonio guterres has called for a prompt investigation into the events. Residents have reported alleged “executions.”
