Death Toll in Rio de Janeiro Police Raid Rises to 132 Amid Calls for Investigation

A police operation in Rio de Janeiro targeting the Red Command gang has resulted in at least 132 deaths, according to the state's public defender's office. The operation, which began on Tuesday in the favelas of Complexo do Alemão and Penha, involved approximately 2,500 officers and led to intense gunbattles. Among the deceased are four police officers.

Authorities reported the arrest of 113 individuals and the seizure of 118 weapons and over a ton of drugs. The operation disrupted daily life in the affected neighborhoods, leading to school closures and transportation disruptions.

Human rights organizations have called for investigations into the high number of fatalities, describing the operation as one of the most violent in Brazil's recent history.

The operation has also sparked political debate. Rio de Janeiro Governor Cláudio Castro accused the federal government of failing to provide assistance, while Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski stated he had not received any request for help.

In response to the violence, the federal government announced the creation of an emergency office to combat organized crime in Rio de Janeiro. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed a law strengthening the fight against organized crime, criminalizing conspiracy and obstruction of actions against criminal groups, and increasing protection for public officials and their families.