An appalling decision by a Court in Brazil to archive the case of the killing of a 10-year-old boy during a military police operation in a favela in Rio de Janeiro risks letting security forces go unpunished, Amnesty International said.
If Eduardo’s tragic murder goes unpunished, it will send a message that it is ok for police to execute people
Renata Neder, Human Rights Advisor at Amnesty International Brazil.
Eduardo de Jesus Ferreira, was shot in the head by military police officers during a police operation in Alemão complex, one of Rio de Janeiro’s largest favelas, on 2 April 2015.
The police investigation concluded that police officers were responsible for the shot that killed Eduardo but the officers claimed they acted in self-defense and in response to a gunfight with armed criminals. However, Eduardo’s family, neighbours and witnesses reported that no confrontation or shooting was taking place at the time of the killing.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office can appeal the decision to archive the case.
“If Eduardo’s tragic murder goes unpunished, it will send a message that it is ok for police to execute people,” said Renata Neder, Human Rights Advisor at Amnesty International Brazil.
“Instead, Brazilian authorities must ensure that the endless catalogue of human rights violations committed by police in Rio de Janeiro are investigated and that all those suspected of criminal responsibility are brought to justice in fair trials.”
Amnesty International has launched an email action calling on the Attorney General and the Minister of Justice to ensure that the case is effectively brought to justice and the police officers responsible for Eduardo’s death are held accountable.