The minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), Alexandre de Moraes, determined this Tuesday (28) that the Attorney General’s Office (PGR) respond, within 24 hours, on the request from the National Human Rights Council (CNDH) for the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro, to provide information on Operation Containment. The police action left at least 64 people dead, including four police officers, and resulted in the arrest of 81 people.
The order was issued after Moraes took charge of the process known as ADPF das Favelas, in which the Court has already defined measures to reduce police lethality in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. The operation carried out this Tuesday mobilized around 2,500 Civil and Military police officers and targeted the Red Command in the Alemão and Penha complexes, in the North Zone of the city.
The CNDH, a body linked to the Presidency of the Republic, asked the STF that Castro present a detailed report on the operation, including formal justifications for carrying it out and information on the measures adopted to help the victims. The council also asks for clarification on the accountability of agents in the event of non-compliance with human rights.
Earlier, Moraes was chosen to make urgent decisions involving the ADPF das Favelas, due to the absence of a rapporteur for the process. The action was led by former minister Luís Roberto Barroso, who retired last week, leaving the process without a defined person responsible until Moraes was chosen.
In April this year, the STF had already defined measures to combat police lethality in operations against organized crime in Rio de Janeiro communities. Measures include limiting the use of force, the presence of ambulances, the preservation of places for forensic examinations and the use of body and vehicle cameras.
In addition to Moraes, the National Council of the Public Ministry (CNMP) also contacted the government of Rio de Janeiro. In a letter sent to Governor Cláudio Castro, the CNMP requested information on lethality, police victimization and compliance with the guidelines established by the STF in ADPF 635, which deals with police action in communities.
The CNMP demanded that the government respond within three days, detailing the use of schools and health units as operational bases, immediate communication to the Public Ministry and respect for proportionality in the use of force, especially during school opening hours. The council also questioned the conduct of due diligence during the operation, reinforcing the need for transparency and control over police actions.
With Moraes’ determination, the PGR will have 24 hours to comment on the CNDH’s request and any new measures related to Operation Containment.
