Overview
- At least 121 people were killed in the Oct. 28 operation, including four police officers, in what authorities say targeted the Red Command gang in Rio’s favelas.
- Lula labeled the action “disastrous” and a “massacre” and said he wants an independent investigation with federal forensic participation.
- Rio Governor Cláudio Castro defended the raid as a success, and a report to the Supreme Court argued police used proportional force and did not kill people outside the criminal organization.
- UN officials called for prompt, independent inquiries as Justice Alexandre de Moraes convened a high-level meeting in Rio to scrutinize the operation and related use-of-force issues.
- Surveys reported 55% nationwide support for the operation, rising to 62% in Rio state, while Castro’s approval jumped 10 points even as many residents said they feel less safe.