The deaths of two workers during a police operation in São Gonçalo led the Human Rights and Citizenship Defense Commission of the Legislative Assembly of Rio de Janeiro to demand explanations from the state's security authorities.
On Tuesday (27), the board reported that it sent official letters to the State Secretariat of Public Security, the General Command of the Military Police, the 7th BPM and the Public Ministry of the State of Rio de Janeiro asking for action on the case.
In the documents sent to the authorities, the commission requests the preservation and dissemination of the body camera footage used by the police officers involved in the incident.
Bricklayers Marcelo da Cruz Silva, 41, and Edivan Felipe de Assis, 46, died during a police operation in Jardim Catarina.According to reports from residents and family members, the two were on their way to work on a motorcycle, carrying tools and lunch boxes, when they were hit by shots fired by military police officers.
The corporation itself reported that the officers had mistaken a mason's ruler for a firearm.
Request for clarification
The panel also requests rigorous technical expertise, an independent investigation into the dynamics of the operation, and clarifications regarding the operational protocols adopted during the operation.
Another point raised by the commission involves allegations of possible alteration of the crime scene. According to information received by the committee, tools belonging to the victims were found far from the bodies.
The commission's president, Dani Monteiro (Psol), stated that the case needs to be thoroughly investigated. "The allegation that workers were killed after an alleged altercation is extremely serious and cannot be treated as something normal," declared the parliamentarian.
Comparison with other cases
In the statement released by the commission, Dani Monteiro also mentioned other recent episodes involving deaths during police operations in the state.
"I deeply sympathize with the families of Marcelo and Edivan, victims of a security policy that once again fails to protect the population and takes the lives of innocent people," he stated.
The congresswoman also cited the case of doctor Andrea Marins, who was killed in Cascadura after police claimed there had been a mix-up during an operation.
"Rio de Janeiro recently experienced the death of doctor Andrea Marins in Cascadura, who was also shot after police officers claimed to have mistaken the situation for another. We are not talking about isolated cases," he said.
Monitoring of investigations
The Human Rights Defense Commission also reported that it is maintaining contact with residents and community leaders of Jardim Catarina to monitor developments in the case.
According to the council, the agency will also remain available to families to provide institutional support and monitor the investigations conducted by the responsible authorities.
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