A significant police operation in Rio de Janeiro has resulted in the deaths of over 120 individuals, marking one of the deadliest raids in the city’s history. Journalist and photographer Bruno Itan reported witnessing the aftermath, where residents returned with mutilated bodies, including those of police officers. He described a distressing scene with bodies coming in rapid succession—25, 30, 35, and more—with some reported to be decapitated or disfigured.
The operation, which took place in the Penha neighborhood, aimed to target the criminal gang known as Comando Vermelho (Red Command), responsible for drug trafficking and other illegal activities. Initially, authorities claimed that 60 suspects and four police officers were killed, but a subsequent count raised the number of suspect fatalities to 117, with some reports indicating a total of 132 fatalities.
Itan, who had been alerted by residents about a shoot-out, attempted to enter the operation zone but faced barriers from the police. Despite this, he managed to gain access and observed local residents searching for missing relatives in the aftermath. The bodies were later displayed in a square in Penha, evoking reactions of sorrow and outrage among family members.
Governor Cláudio Castro stated that the operation was initiated to prevent Comando Vermelho from expanding its territory, asserting that police actions were a response to an escalation from the suspects. However, the violence and number of fatalities have drawn criticism, including reactions from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. Castro later commented that some displayed bodies had been “manipulated” to shift blame toward law enforcement, a claim supported by footage showing alterations being made to the clothing of the deceased.
The situation has prompted a Supreme Court Justice to summon Governor Castro for further explanation regarding the police’s actions during this operation.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c364k5e9g58o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss