Rio Prosecutors Appeal Flamengo Academy Fire Acquittals

Overview

• On November 10, the Rio state prosecutor’s office filed an appeal to overturn the 36th Criminal Court’s acquittal of seven defendants in the 2019 Ninho do Urubu fire.
• The filing targets Antonio Marcio Mongelli Garotti, Marcelo Maia de Sá, Cláudia Pereira Rodrigues, Danilo da Silva Duarte, Fábio Hilário da Silva, Weslley Gimenes and Edson Colman da Silva for qualified negligent arson.
• Prosecutors assert a pattern of conscious omissions and safety lapses, citing the lack of a permit, container lodging risks, faulty electrical installations and improper air‑conditioner upkeep.
• They ask the appellate panel to recognize culpability, reweigh technical, documentary and witness evidence, and set a minimum indemnity for each family of the ten boys killed and three seriously injured.
• The review by the 3rd Criminal Chamber of the Rio appeals court has no date scheduled, and the MPRJ says it will take the case to the STF and STJ if the acquittals stand.