Demonstration began on Monday (12) after operation of CDHU for demolition of unoccupied houses; PM used moral effects, rubber bullets and shields to release the tracks
The demolition actions of houses in the Moinho favela, in downtown São Paulo, caused new protests and interdictions in train lines on Tuesday (13). The operation, coordinated by the Housing and Urban Development Company (CDHU), was supported by the Military Police and generated confrontation with residents. Around 11am, CDHU began the overthrow of unoccupied houses with escort from the Battalion of Special Action Action (Baep). During the advances of the teams, protesters opposed to removals blocked CPTM lines with rubble and set fire to tires and wood.
Police intervened with moral effects, rubber bullets and shields to release the 7-Ruby rails, interrupting the circulation of trains for more than an hour. A resident was hit by rubber bullet in the leg. The protests intensified again in the early afternoon. Residents expelled Community CDHU employees, and a new debris burning interrupted, around 1 pm, the operation of Viamobility line 8-Diamond, between the Júlio Prestes and Palmeiras-Barra Funda stations.
On Monday (12), the day of the beginning of demolitions, there was another wave of demonstrations that paralyzed four line lines (8-Diamond, 7-Ruby, 10-Turquoise and 13-Jade). Protesters reacted to the attempt to enter a tractor, which was eventually prevented. Demolitions then began manually, using hammers, goat feet and reused buildings. According to CDHU, since last month, 168 families have left the site voluntarily and were included in housing and aluguel assistance programs. The company states that the demolition of unoccupied houses is necessary to avoid reoccupation and ensure safety on site.
The favela terrain belongs to the Union, which authorized the withdrawal of the unoccupied houses. The Secretariat of Heritage of the Union has stated that it considers the decharacterization of empty properties to avoid the expansion of areas with social and structural risk. However, the federal government recommended that actions be taken carefully, so as not to compromise the structure of houses still occupied or impact the routine of the community.
State management intends to turn the land into a park. The Secretary of Urban Development and Housing, Marcelo Branco, said that the larger conflict would be “owners who exploit the rented properties in the favela”, not with the residents, who would be welcomed by the government. The performance of the Military Police, according to CDHU, seeks to protect workers, who would have been threatened and assaulted during the protests. So far, at least six houses have been demolished. The operation is still underway under police escort.
*Report produced with the aid of AI
