Mônica Cardenas Prado claims that the Secretary of Public Security drags the São Paulo government into ‘national and global shame’
Mônica Cardenas Prado, mother of medical student Marco Aurélio Cardenas Acosta, who was killed by a military police officer in November, wrote a letter to the governor of São Paulo, Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicans). The letter, which was released following the release of body camera footage from the officers involved, demands severe punishment for those responsible for his son’s death. Mônica spared no criticism of the Secretary of Public Security, Guilherme Derrite, and called for his resignation, alleging that he is dragging the governor into “a national and global shame”.
In the letter, Mônica expressed the pain of a mother who raised her son with “courage and sacrifice”, and now sees her life brutally interrupted. She demanded that the governor fulfill his duty to protect the population and ensure that justice is served. The images from body cameras show the moment when the police officers are surprised by a slap on the police car, given by the young man, who then runs. The video also records the encounter between the police officer and the young man on the stairs of a hotel, where the student tries to kick the police officers before being shot.
In response to the letter and public pressure, the government of Tarcísio de Freitas deeply regretted what happened and stated that it does not tolerate excesses and misconduct by its agents. The government reported that the investigation was concluded and reported to the Court, with the police officer involved being charged with intentional homicide. He remains away from his duties, as does the PM who accompanied him.
*With information from Misael Mainetti
