The Take What was behind Brazil’s deadliest police raid?
Nov 4, 2025
Cecília Olliveira, co-founder of The Intercept Brazil and expert on armed violence, dives into the recent deadly police raid in Rio de Janeiro. She reveals the chaos and devastation left in the wake of the operation and discusses the raid's political motivations, linking it to police retaliation against gangs. With public sentiment split, Cecília argues for a shift to non-violent alternatives, emphasizing the need to target the financial networks sustaining crime. She also critiques media portrayals that ignore the realities of favela life, offering a compelling perspective on state violence in Brazil.
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Raid Declared Success Despite Failing Targets
- The raid aimed to capture a major dealer and 100 suspects but failed to secure key targets like Doca.
- Officials framed it as a success while residents saw indiscriminate killings and failure to meet objectives.
Bodies Hidden In Favela Woods
- Reporter Mateus de Moura and residents found additional bodies hidden in the favela's woods after the raid.
- They laid victims side by side on the ground so families could identify them amid widespread grief.
Red Command's Diffuse Leadership Structure
- Red Command differs from PCC because it has many local leaders rather than a tight hierarchy.
- That diffusion makes it harder to dismantle by targeting a single boss.