The governor of Rio de Janeiro, Cláudio Castro (PL), classified as a “success” the mega police operation that left more than 120 dead in the Penha and Alemão complexes, in the north of Rio.
In a press conference this Wednesday (29), the governor stated that the action represented a “hard blow to crime” and minimized the number of victims, saying that “the only victims there were the police officers”.
“I was happy to see that everyone realized the impact that some court decisions had on strengthening these criminal organizations. The governors clearly realize this. I see it as the beginning of a new moment in which we can free the people of Rio de Janeiro, but also Brazilians, from crime”, he stated.
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Allied governors
The statement was given after a meeting at the Guanabara Palace with allied right-wing governors: Tarcísio de Freitas (Republicanos-SP), Romeu Zema (Novo-MG), Ronaldo Caiado (União Brasil-GO), Jorginho Mello (PL-SC) and Mauro Mendes (União Brasil-MT).
The meeting was called to present an overview of the operation and discuss joint strategies to combat organized crime.
Castro stated that his colleagues recognize Rio’s role as the epicenter of interstate criminal organizations.
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“The governors are aware that a large part of the criminal leaders in their states pass through here. Any help will be welcome, but it will be technical and orderly, without politics”, he said.
Responding to criticism
Asked about the criticisms of the Minister of Justice, Ricardo Lewandowski, who suggested federal intervention if the state is unable to control the violence, Castro reacted forcefully.
“The governor of this state and no secretariat will respond to a minister or other agent who wants to turn this moment into a political battle. Anyone who wants to join in will be welcome. To others, the message is: either add up, or go away. We will not enter into this trap of politicizing one of the biggest actions that has ever taken place”, he stated.
The governor also said he was following the emergency meetings in Brasília, coordinated by vice-president Geraldo Alckmin (PSB), and awaits the arrival of federal government representatives in Rio.
“We hope for a focus on Rio de Janeiro, on integration and financing. Since there is so much concern, they will help us in a concrete way”, he added.
Lethal operation
Launched on Tuesday (28), Operation Containment mobilized 2,500 Civil and Military police officers and targeted the Red Command (CV).
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According to the state government, there could be more than 100 deaths, including 4 police officers, in addition to other victims still under investigation. The numbers make the action the most lethal in the history of Rio de Janeiro.
72 rifles, 9 motorcycles, a pistol and around 200 kilos of drugs were seized. The operation took place after a series of clashes and attacks against security forces in the capital of Rio de Janeiro.
