Minister Alexandre de Moraes orders city hall to justify construction of 40-meter barrier after Psol parliamentarians request demolition
Minister Alexandre de Moraes, of the Federal Supreme Court (STF), set a deadline of 24 hours for the City of São Paulo to explain the construction of a , central region of the capital. The decision, taken on Thursday (16 January 2025), responds to an action by Psol parliamentarians calling for the structure to be demolished.
The concrete barrier is 40 meters long and 2.5 meters high. Installed on Rua General Couto Magalhães, close to Luz station, it forms a triangular area with fences where drug users remain concentrated.
The São Paulo Public Defender’s Office recommended the removal of the wall. The agency classified the structure as “hostile architecture” and pointed out that the barriers prevent the free movement of people, limit access to drinking water and bathrooms, without proof of effectiveness.
The City Hall states that the wall, built in May 2024, replaces sidings that were frequently damaged. Municipal management argues that the structure aims to protect people in vulnerable situations, improve social care conditions and facilitate the work of health teams.
According to data from the municipal administration, there was a 73.14% reduction in the average number of people on site between January and December 2024. During the period, 18,714 referrals were made to municipal services.
The Craco Resiste collective criticizes the measure. For the organization, the wall creates a “user concentration camp”, which are always directed by civil guards to the same area.
Moraes is the rapporteur at the STF for an action that deals with the National Homeless Population Policy.
