Brazilian authorities are under scrutiny for allegedly decapitating a teenage gang member as part of a violent crackdown leading up to the COP30 summit and the visit of Prince William to the country.
The incident occurred during a major police operation in a favela, where the gang member’s head was reportedly hung from a tree. In response to the crackdown, criminal gangs retaliated by using drones to target law enforcement.
Reports indicate that the death toll from the operation stands at 119, with the majority being suspected gang members and four identified as police officers. Residents of the affected favela accused the police of committing atrocities during the raid.
A mother, Raquel Tomas, claimed that her son was brutally killed by the police, condemning the act as an unjust execution without due process. She emphasized the importance of giving individuals a chance to defend themselves rather than resorting to extrajudicial killings.
The intensified law enforcement efforts were launched ahead of Brazil hosting international leaders at the COP30 summit, with a police spokesperson justifying the actions due to the escalating violence faced by officers.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stressed the need to combat criminal organizations that pose a threat to civilians, calling for coordinated efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks while safeguarding innocent lives.
Concerns have been raised about the potential for further violence during Prince William’s visit to Brazil, with additional security measures being implemented to prevent further clashes between rival gangs and law enforcement.
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