Brazilian Police Officers Sentenced for Torture and Death of Black Man

Three former Federal Highway Police officers received lengthy prison terms for the 2022 asphyxiation of Genivaldo de Jesus Santos in a tear gas-filled police vehicle trunk.

Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, a 38-year-old Black man with schizophrenia, died in May 2022 after being restrained and exposed to tear gas in the trunk of a police SUV.
A bystander's video of the incident, showing Santos screaming and kicking as smoke poured from the vehicle, led to widespread outrage and protests across Brazil.
Justice Rafael Soares sentenced Paulo Rodolpho Nascimento to 28 years for aggravated homicide, while William Noia and Kleber Freitas received 23 years each for torture resulting in death.
An autopsy confirmed Santos's death was caused by asphyxiation, with prosecutors highlighting the officers' excessive use of force and disregard for his mental health condition.
The case has reignited concerns over systemic police violence in Brazil, where Black people disproportionately account for the majority of law enforcement-related deaths.