Leblon | Police Brandish Deadly Weapons?

“Video and photo show military police targeting and intimidating demonstrators. PM commander says he is in favor of firearms to control mobs.”

Source: Brasil de Fato

Rio de Janeiro military police were caught on camera wielding lethal weapons during the July 17 demonstration.

In the video, shot by Jornal A Nova Democracia, and the  photos, taken by demonstrators, it is possible to see the PMs pointing their pistols at persons.

Some officers went so far as to issue summons to journalists who were recording the event.  The protest, attended by thousands, took place in Leblon and Ipanema, in the city’s Southern Zone.

The press office of the PM said it would inspect the images, but did provide any details. After the demonstration, however, state PM Commandant Erir da Costa Filho, expressed  support for the use of lethal weapons to control demonstrations. “After what happened yesterday, we are going to reevaluate our manner of response. How can the police put down a mob with non-lethal force?” he asked, during a press conference.

“Shrapnel in Leblon” | Black Blocs in Action?

The odd behavior of Rio military police during a demonstration marred by violent agitators.

Source: O Globo| Portal ClippingMP.

Prosecutor and police found intelligence group to investigate street vandals during demonstrations

More than a month since the beginning of a wave of protests in Rio, culminating in a violent confrontation in Leblon and Ipanema, a special commission will be created to investigate the activities of vandals who have infiltrated the demonstrations. Announcing the measure was the state’s attorney, Marfan Vieira.

According to Vieira, the group will include representatives of the public prosecutor’s office and the military and state legislative police, and will be directly tied to the office of governor Cabral.

The focus will be to identify suspects of inciting to riot and to to establish relationships among groups responsible for vandalism. These will be arrested for criminal conspiracy, a more serious charge carrying a heavier sentence and therefore avoiding the usual “catch and release” policy. Yesterday, the state police said that 62 persons have been arrested in flagrante for crimes such as aggravated larceny, criminal conspiracy and possession of explosives, but that 37 had been released after posting bail. 25 minors were also arrested.

“It is important to centralize information about certain organizations, many of them with ties to international groups, in order to avoid allowing them incite to violence and acts of vandalism,” Marfan said.

Among the groups under investigation are the Black Blocs, who claim to be inspired by a European anarchist movement.