The Rio de Janeiro Court ordered, this Tuesday (5), the release of ten Peñarol fans suspected of involvement in a widespread fight on the edge of Recreio dos Bandeirantes, in the west zone of the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
The confusion occurred hours before the Uruguayan team’s match against Botafogo, in the semi-finals of the Copa Libertadores, on October 23rd.
In the decision, judge Marcello Rubioli, from the Fan and Major Events Court, justified that the Public Prosecutor’s Office took a long time to bring charges against the suspects, which made the preventive arrests unjustifiable, even with evidence of their participation in the riot.
Despite being released, the suspects must comply with alternative precautionary measures.
According to the decision, Uruguayans cannot leave Brazil until the trial or attend sporting events.
Fans must also declare where they will stay in the country and appear in court every two months to justify their activities.
The 11 Uruguayans who remain in prison are awaiting a court decision on requests for freedom. Those who were not arrested were escorted to the border between Brazil and Uruguay.
“The defendants are responsible for various crimes, such as bodily injury, theft, damage, resistance, disobedience, contempt, racial insult, and for promoting riot, practicing or inciting violence or invading a place restricted to competitors or referees and their assistants in sporting events “, stated the Court of Justice.
More than 280 Peñarol fans were taken to the Police City, in the north of Rio, after the confusion, which extended along the seafront and affected some bathers, as well as traffic in the region. In total, 21 Uruguayan fans were arrested.
The Military Police stated that Peñarol fans “committed a series of acts of vandalism, looting and vandalism of commercial establishments and vehicles.” Uruguayans involved in the confusion also set fire to parked motorcycles.
According to the police, the theft of a cell phone by a Uruguayan and racist gestures made by foreigners started the confusion. At least three people were injured and needed to be taken to the hospital.
After the riot, Rio de Janeiro’s State Secretary of Public Security, Victor Santos, admitted that there was a failure in the planning to receive Uruguayan fans.
