Institutions condemn state of exception in Rio’s slum
Following a violent police operation in the Jacarezinho slum, entities demand a swift investigation by the Public Ministry
Leftover Projectiles in Jacarezinho alley after the violent action by Rio de Janeiro police (credit: Vozes da Comunidade)
Thirty civil society bodies as well as, social and collective movements in the slums (favelas) of Rio de Janeiro released a joint letter where they classify the police operation carried out yesterday (6th of May) in Jacarezinho slum; the northern part of Rio de Janeiro capital, as racist, infringement and poverty stigmatization, hence charge that the Public Prosecutor’s Office investigate swiftly any abnormalities committed by the police, inside the slum.
According to the letter, the unjustifiable action by the Civil Police, which killed at least 25 people, was a “real massacre”, a codemnable act that made use of weapons meant for war, such as; skulls, rifles, helicopters, terorrism and death to the Jacarezinho alleys.
“The authorization of the police operation, similar to the one which took place in the state of Rio de Janeiro today in Jacarezinho is a terrible experience that left a bitter taste in the mouth, as though they are declaring a state of exception on the slum. As though, these areas and their residents rights were permanently suspended, quoted the entities in the letter.
“It is totally unacceptable and appalling, that in the face of grievious crises like; health, social and economic crises, in which the utmost prioritity in the public authorities´ agenda should be protection of life at all cost, the State government authorizes the entry of its security forces into the slums with numerous death machines that should only be seen in war zones. In a sane democratic era, these weapons should not be used under any circumstances. This act exhibited by the state´s public security policy implied a state of exception in the slum as well as the black communities”. they added.
