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Rio police accused of executing suspects in raid
The United Nations human rights office has strongly criticised a police raid against suspected drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, amid allegations of abuse and extrajudicial executions.
Residents of Jacarezinho, one of the city s largest slums, say police killed suspects who wanted to surrender and entered homes without a warrant.
Police have denied any wrongdoing.
The deadliest police operation in the city s history has left 25 dead, including a police officer.
Vast areas of Rio de Janeiro, one of Brazil s most violent cities, are under the control of criminals, many of them linked to powerful drug-trafficking gangs.
Calls for independent investigation after at least 25 people were killed in raid on Jacarezinho favela
Police patrol the Jacarezinho favela on Thursday. At least 25 people died in a raid police say was aimed at a gang suspected of recruiting children. Photograph: Andre Coelho/EPA
Police patrol the Jacarezinho favela on Thursday. At least 25 people died in a raid police say was aimed at a gang suspected of recruiting children. Photograph: Andre Coelho/EPA
AgenceFrance-PresseinGeneva
Fri 7 May 2021 08.48 EDT
Last modified on Fri 7 May 2021 12.42 EDT
The United Nations has voiced alarm over a massive police operation in a Brazilian favela that left more than two dozen people dead, and called for an independent investigation.
Policemen collect the drugs and weapons, seized during a police operation against drug dealers in Jacarezinho slum, after a presentation to the media in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil May 6, 2021. [Photo/Agencies]
RIO DE JANEIRO - At least 25 people were killed and another five injured on Thursday in an intense shootout in northern Rio de Janeiro between police and suspected drug traffickers.
According to the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, one police officer died as a result of the shootout, while the other 24 people killed were allegedly members of a criminal organization that dominates the Jacarezinho favela.
The event occurred in the early hours of Thursday in Jacarezinho during a Civil Police operation against drug trafficking and organized crime in the area.
25 killed in Rio police operation (Ld)
25 killed in Rio police operation (Ld)
Last Updated: Fri, May 7th, 2021, 14:00:15hrs
Rio de Janeiro, May 7 (IANS) At least 25 people were killed and another five injured on Thursday in an intense shootout in Brazil s Rio de Janeiro between police and suspected drug traffickers.
According to the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, one police officer died as a result of the shootout on Thursday, while the other 24 victims were allegedly members of a criminal organisation that dominates the Jacarezinho favela, reports Xinhua news agency.
The incident occurred during a Civil Police operation against drug trafficking and organized crime in the area.
BBC News
By Hugo Bachega
media captionAerial footage shows suspects of a wanted drug gang trying to escape police
The United Nations human rights office has strongly criticised a police raid against suspected drug traffickers in Rio de Janeiro, amid allegations of abuse and extrajudicial executions.
The deadliest police operation in the city s history has left 25 dead, including a police officer.
Residents say police killed suspects who wanted to surrender and entered homes without a warrant.
Police have denied any wrongdoing, saying officers acted in self-defence.
Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil s most violent cities, and vast areas are under the control of criminals, many of them linked to powerful drug-trafficking gangs. Security forces are often accused of disproportionate force during their anti-crime operations.