Gilmar defends joint action against crime in Rio and criticizes lack of policies

The Minister of the Federal Supreme Court (STF) Gilmar Mendes stated this Wednesday (5), during the Buenos Aires Forum, that the fight against organized crime and violence in Rio de Janeiro requires joint action between the powers of the Republic and a critical review of the conduct of police operations in areas dominated by factions.

When commenting on the so-called ADPF das Favelas, a process that guides police action in Rio, Gilmar said that the Supreme Court had already ordered the opening of investigations to investigate the occupation of these territories. “We launched two investigations to combat organized crime, to occupy these areas. I think there was a certain delay in their implementation, but in April we had already determined these measures and they are already underway”, he stated.

According to the minister, the case gained new urgency after recent episodes of violence in Rio de Janeiro, which resulted in dozens of deaths. “I trust that this topic will gain new emphasis following these regrettable episodes that occurred in Rio de Janeiro with so many deaths,” he said.

Gilmar praised Minister Alexandre de Moraes’ visit to the state and defended the creation of an integrated public security strategy. “There has to be an interconnection. Everyone has to join together. Minister Alexandre’s visit to Rio de Janeiro was extremely important. We have to prioritize these issues”, he declared.

He also demanded permanent State presence actions in the communities, criticizing the absence of social and security policies after the operations. “I have already heard from several critics that a UPP was not installed there, in Penha and Alemão, police action was not installed and no public services were installed. Therefore, if we go back there today, we may need a new operation, which is extremely problematic”, he stated.

The minister highlighted that the territorial occupation by armed groups is unconstitutional and that the issue must be addressed clearly and firmly. “The occupation of territories by these armed gangs is unconstitutional. This needs to be said loud and clear”, he reinforced.

For Gilmar, the National Council of Justice (CNJ) and the National Council of the Public Ministry (CNMP) must work together to improve the judicial system and speed up the trial of highly dangerous criminals. “The Judiciary can do a lot, because it is the Judiciary that judges and decides on the transfer of criminals. It is necessary to speed up the trial of these people and give this issue its own dynamic”, he said.

The minister also rejected the thesis that tightening anti-terrorism laws could affect national sovereignty. “We need to deal with crime within normal institutional standards. There is a lot of politicization around this issue. We have overcome crises and will have the capacity to overcome this one too”, he concluded