Brazilian authorities are facing allegations of decapitating a young gang member as part of an intense crackdown prior to the COP30 summit and the visit of Prince William. The incident occurred after a violent police operation in a favela, prompting retaliatory drone attacks by criminal gangs.
Officials have reported a death toll of 119 individuals, with 115 suspected gang members and four police officers among the casualties. Residents of Complexo da Penha favela have accused the police of committing atrocities during the raid in Rio de Janeiro.
A mother, Raquel Tomas, has come forward claiming that her son was brutally killed by the police, stating that he was beheaded and his head displayed on a tree. She emphasized the need for suspects to be apprehended rather than summarily executed during police operations.
The controversial crackdown, initiated ahead of Brazil hosting the COP30 summit and Prince William’s visit, was defended by a police spokesperson citing the escalating violence against law enforcement. The spokesperson labeled the situation as narco-terrorism, highlighting the extreme challenges faced by the Rio police.
President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva expressed the necessity of taking action against criminal elements that pose a threat to civilians, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to combat drug trafficking while safeguarding innocent lives. With Prince William’s upcoming visit to Brazil, concerns have been raised about potential violence resurfacing during his time in the country.
In response to the surge in violence, additional officers and military personnel have been deployed by the government. The heightened security measures are being closely monitored, especially with the international spotlight expected to be on Rio during Prince William’s visit.
