There is concern at allegations that a prisoner held at Caxias prison, Belmiro Santana, was severely beaten by five guards on the night of 8 June 1997. He was left for the remainder of the night in solitary confinement and without medical care, before being taken to hospital the following day. As a result of his alleged ill-treatment, he is still said to be in poor health. It is not known if a judicial complaint has been lodged.
