Brazil: Huge spike in number of deaths committed by Police in Rio ahead of the Olympic Games
| Publisher | Amnesty International |
| Publication Date | 1 July 2016 |
| Cite as | Amnesty International, Brazil: Huge spike in number of deaths committed by Police in Rio ahead of the Olympic Games, 1 July 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/577a1f9c4.html [accessed 19 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A shocking increase of 135% in the number of people killed by police officers in the city of Rio de Janeiro in the run up to the Olympics lays bare the security services' chilling disregard to the right of life, said Amnesty International today.
According to the Instituto de Segurança Pública (ISP), in the city of Rio de Janeiro alone, 40 people were killed by police officers on duty in the month of May: an increase of 135% compared to 17 during the same period in 2015. Across the State as a whole, the numbers rose from 44 to 84, an increase of 90%.
"The soaring death count ahead of this major sporting event represents an epic failure on the part of the authorities to protect the most fundamental human right-the right to life," said Atila Roque, Executive Director of Amnesty International's national office in Brazil.
"It is completely unacceptable that these numbers are increasing despite all the warnings and complaints of Rio inhabitants of the excessive use of force by police. The authorities must act immediately to rein in the worst excesses of the security forces, stem the cycle of violence, and ensure the right to life is assured."
