Gang attacks in Brazil – who is behind it and what caused Berset and his “war madness”: invitation from Selenskyj – that’s what the ambassador says

What happened?

Since March 14, violent attacks against public buildings and transportation have been reported in about 20 cities in northeastern Brazil.

Two military police posts, a town hall, a bank and a courthouse were hit. Numerous buses and cars were also set on fire. 3 nights in a row the sirens sounded in different places.

Who is behind the attacks?

According to the authorities, a gang called "Sindicato do Crime" (translated crime union). She apparently works with the once hostile group "Primeiro Comando da Capital" (PCC). The PCC is probably the largest criminal organization in Brazil and largely controls the drug trade in the country.

According to authorities in Rio Grande do Norte, the order to attack public facilities came from a prison in Alcaçuz. The capo of the "Sindicato do Crime", José Kemps Pereira de Araújo, ordered the devastating attacks. He has since been transferred to another prison, officials said.

One of the leaders, meanwhile, was killed by the police. This is Jose Wilson da Silva Filho. A known member of the gang who has been on the run for quite some time. He had escaped from prison. An anonymous tip led police to his location. In the ensuing firefight, da Silva was killed.

What prompted the acts of violence?

According to the State Secretary of the Interior, the escalation of violence followed unfulfilled demands from detainees in the state prison.

Among other things, they demanded televisions and permission for intimate visits. "These are things that the authorities cannot do because it violates the Penitentiary Act," the minister told terra.com.br.

Brazil's prisons are the origin of many gangs and criminal organizations. The gangs feed on the outskirts of major cities, where unemployment is high and government influence is low. Many young people get on the wrong track and fall into the grip of the gangs.

Historically, prisoners have banded together to fight prison authorities and fight for more rights. Not infrequently with violence - also outside the prison walls. So also in this case.

Most recently, the regions were at the center of violent gang violence in 2017, when rival gangs fought in prisons.

What are the authorities doing?

On Friday, the security forces then launched a major attack on the gang, writes news portal G1. 30 members were arrested in a combined action by regional and federal authorities. 24 more fugitives have been identified.

The gang is also under investigation in connection with drug trafficking, robberies and murders. You must also be responsible for the death of a police officer and his wife.

During the week, the National Guard was dispatched to the affected area to restore law and order.

What is the situation on site?

It remains to be seen whether the situation will calm down now. The picture of devastation in the affected areas is still devastating.

The National Guard tries to establish security. Hundreds are already there. And according to the authorities, hundreds more could follow if necessary.