Rio’s Deadliest Police Operation Draws Majority Support as UN and Supreme Court Press for Accountability

Overview

• Official tally stands at 121 dead, 113 arrested and 120 weapons seized, including 93 rifles, with authorities saying dozens of those killed or detained came from other states and that Penha and Alemão functioned as a national Comando Vermelho hub.
• Genial/Quaest finds 64% approve the operation and 73% want similar actions elsewhere, with 58% calling the raid a success and support highest among men and right-leaning voters.
• Despite approval, 52% say Rio feels less safe after the raid, 74% fear retaliation by traffickers and 87% describe the state as living a wartime scenario, according to the same polling.
• Political fallout shows a boost for Governor Cláudio Castro: Datafolha reports 40% rating his government as good or excellent, while Quaest records 53% approval of his administration.
• UN experts urge an immediate, independent investigation citing allegations of unlawful killings and evidence tampering risks, as STF ministers press the state for a concrete re‑occupation plan and formal explanations in line with ADPF das Favelas safeguards.