Amid Wave of Violence, Residents Ask for Return of Policing in Vitoria

02/08/2017 - 14h19

Five days after the wave of violence that resulted in dozens of deaths, looting and changes in the daily lives of residents of Greater Vitória, a countermove gained strength on Tuesday (7) demanding the return of the police to the streets of the cities of Espírito Santo.

Residents asking for the return of the policing discussed with relatives of police officers in front of the headquarters of the Military Police in Vitória, on Tuesday afternoon.

Similar conflict was registered in Guarapari, on the coast, where there was a tentative of dialogue between women on both sides, but tension grew as anti-strike protesters set fire on tires and blocking an avenue. To contain the riot, the military used tear gas.

"Police, where are you?," chanted the protesters. On the other side, family members and plainclothes police officers answered, "Where is the governor?"

On Tuesday, according to the State government, 80 men from the National Force were on the streets and another 120 would come to work to contain the wave of violence that left 75 dead since Friday, according to the Civil Police Union. The State does not confirm the total number of deaths.

Despite the presence of the National Force and the Army, the State had another violent day: one shot hit a bus, there was a shootout in the neighborhood of Santa Rita and, in Serra, a condominium was invaded. Since Friday, relatives of police officers have been demonstrating in front of Military Police precincts.

Since the Brazilian Constitution prohibits the Military Police officers from carrying out strikes, their families are in the front of the movement, which claims a 65% salary adjustment until 2020.

Translated by MARINA DELLA VALLE

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