Constant robberies and raids near Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro prompted residents to create a group of “judges” to fight crime with their own hands, which already happened in 2015.
Constant robberies in Copacabana move a vigilante group into the region. Photo: Agência Brasil/EBC/Reproduction/NDAbout the “punishers”
Dressed all in black, the suspects call themselves “punishers” and appear on video promising to end all the violence that has plagued the area in recent months. They organize group meetings via WhatsApp and take to the streets dressed in black.
The group began its activities on December 5, and so far the police have no information about any type of aggression from the men.
In a statement, civilian police said they are aware of the facts and are already conducting an investigation to identify those involved.
According to the Prime Minister (Military Police), the 19th BMP (Copacabana) continues to make efforts to reduce crime in the region.
Constant episodes of violence in Copacabana
The episode shocked residents of the area last Saturday (2). An elderly man was attacked during an attempted robbery and lost consciousness after one of the robbers punched him. The attack took place on Avenida Nossa Señora de Copacabana.
In an interview with Record Rio, 67-year-old Marcelo Rubim Benchimol gave details of what happened last Saturday.
Robbers beat an elderly man in the river, and vigilantes promise safety with their own hands – Photo: Record“I remember crossing the street and seeing a woman being attacked by some boys, I can’t say how many there were. I think more than five. Then I thought, “I’ll run or help this lady.” I decided to help her. And then they attacked me. I took several hits and defended myself against others. But at one point I was hit from behind, and I only recovered in the UPA.”
What does Rio City Hall say?
The state mayor’s office did not comment on the vigilante case or the constant robberies in the southern zone, but confirmed on its website that it is working on commercial centers and cultural projects.
*With information from the r7 portal
Source: Ndmais