
Brazil: Uproar in the City of God
Featured image: Salvino Oliveira confronted by the people, Source: AND
Residents of Cidade de Deus, in Rio de Janeiro, expelled on July 17 the pre-candidate for councilor for the PSD, Salvino Oliveira, from the area where a demolition of businesses owned by favela workers was taking place.
The action to demolish 30 buildings took place without prior notice to residents. As soon as the destruction of the stores began, hundreds of workers gathered to react to the arbitrariness, and Salvino tried to defend the city hall and continue the demolition. According to witnesses, the politician cursed a resident during the argument.
The Military Police came to the politician’s defense and began attacks with pepper spray and stun grenades.
The police, who provided cover for the city hall team, protected Salvino and used pepper spray to disperse the residents. It ended up that they hit Salvino by accident.
Again, the people responded, this time with stones, fireworks, arson and other objects. A Military Police base was attacked.