Governor Forbids Police Operations in Rio de Janeiro’s Favelas During Social Actions

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The main purpose of the order is to prevent conflicts from occurring, thus enhancing dialogue between corporations and community leaders. The decision comes after Rio de Janeiro experienced a disastrous week in this regard, with four youths killed after the police entered the favelas, two of them murdered while delivering basic food baskets in the favelas of Providência, in the central region of the city of Rio de Janeiro, and Cidade de Deus, in the West Zone.

The instruction was conveyed to state police chiefs Márcio Pacheco and Mônica Francisco and representatives of organizations linked to human rights and social activism during a videoconference meeting.

The virtual meeting was also attended by Marcus Vinícius Braga, the Secretary of the Civil Police; Colonel Rogério Figueredo, the Secretary of PMERJ (Rio de Janeiro State Police); and Priscilla Azevedo, the Secretary of Victimization and Support for the Disabled.

“I believe this integration can be achieved so that we can build better communication and prevent that people are providing humanitarian services in these places at times of search and seizure or police intelligence operations,” said Witzel, in reference to the shooting last Wednesday, May 20th, in Cidade de Deus, which killed an 18-year-old boy. The gunfight occurred during a distribution of food baskets to the community.

According to Colonel Figueredo, the police battalion commanders are now instructed to monitor social actions in the communities, particularly at this time of social isolation. He further stressed that operations must respect suitability and timing criteria.

For his part, Governor Wilson Witzel said that this integration with the battalions is required, and pointed out that the State has also been helping to support programs to fight hunger, particularly at this time of crisis.