Editorial: State Can't Afford to Ignore Rise of Rio Militias

09/03/2014 - 09h05

The rise of the militias in Rio de Janeiro in the last decade is as extraordinary as it is worrying.

According to a Folha report from 2004, six favelas in the city were controlled by these organizations, often formed by police, firefighters and current and former members of the military.

Today, the phenomenon is spread throughout 195 communities, in 23 of the 90 state municipalities. In the capital, 148 areas are under illegal control.

These groups style themselves as liberators, freeing poor communities from violent drug traffickers, a view which was allowed to go unchallenged for some time.

The reality is other. They charge favela residents fees for their security and other services (water, gas, internet, cable TV) and use their authority to mitigate the effects of police repression.

In short, little has changed for the members of the communities.

If that weren't enough, the militias have become very politically active. Between 2007 and 2010 militia bosses occupied a number of legislative positions, in several cases resulting in their imprisonment and/or resignations.

However, now they have changed tack. Their current strategy is to force the populations living in their spheres of influence to vote for their chosen candidates, threatening and intimidating anyone else who dares to campaign in these areas.

It is often said that the favelas are 'sold' to whomever pays the militias in order to have exclusive access and campaigning rights.

Last week, the Ministry of Public Safety sent a report to the Regional Electoral Court (TRE). Its conclusions were alarming.

No less than 41 areas of the state - whether under militia or gang control - have already restricted the political activity of a number of candidates.

As such, the TRE of Rio de Janeiro decided to seek help from the National Public Security Force during the elections this year, hoping thus to ensure that the votes are free and fair. The request is currently pending with the Higher Electoral Court.

It has also been opposed by state governor Luiz Fernando Pezão (PMDB), who argues the measure is unnecessary.

However, it is more likely he fears a request for federal troops would be seen as an admission of the state's failure to combat the influence of the militias.

Unfortunately, the reality is one of failure.

While Rio managed to obtain some positive initial results in the fight against the drug traffickers with the Pacifying Police Units (UPPs), it has still yet to address the problem of militias, that, just like the gangs, flourish wherever the state is absent.

Translated by TOM GATEHOUSE

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