Brazilian authorities are facing intense scrutiny after the confirmed death toll from a recent police raid in Rio de Janeiro’s favelas more than doubled to at least 132, a revision spurred by residents displaying dozens of bodies in public.
The Public Defender’s Office, which provides legal assistance to low-income citizens, released the updated figure. This new total significantly surpasses the initial official count of 58 fatalities provided by authorities.
Community members orchestrated a powerful demonstration early Wednesday, laying out scores of bodies in Penha square. Their aim was to underscore the devastating human cost of the operation to local officials and the world.
The United Nations Human Rights Office had already expressed “horror” at the police action before the death toll was revised upwards. Brazil’s Justice Minister indicated that President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was “stunned” by the number of deaths and surprised the federal government had not been informed beforehand.
Rio State Governor Claudio Castro maintained that his official tally remained at 58, pending completion of forensic procedures, but acknowledged the figure “will certainly change.” When pressed on previous statements classifying the deceased as “criminals,” Governor Castro asserted that the clashes occurred in the forest, not community areas, implying those found there were involved in conflict.
The large-scale police operation on a Tuesday targeted the Alemao and Penha favelas in northern Rio de Janeiro. Officials stated the raid was an effort to confront criminal organizations that have long controlled these impoverished neighborhoods.
Eyewitnesses described the events of the day as “like war,” detailing intense exchanges of gunfire between officers and armed groups. Buses were reportedly torched to create barricades, and police claimed members of the Red Command gang used drones to drop bombs on law enforcement personnel. Governor Castro labeled these actions “drug terrorism.”
Castro stated the raid was the culmination of two months of planning and extensive investigation. He reported the arrest of a Red Command drug trafficking leader and the seizure of substantial quantities of weapons and illicit drugs.
Brazilian journalists have suggested the operation was part of Governor Castro’s pre-election strategy to demonstrate decisive action against crime. The controversial raid unfolded just days before Rio de Janeiro is slated to host major international gatherings, including the C40 World Mayors Summit and the Earthshot Prize environmental awards.