Chefs Unite Against Armed Raids

06/12/2013 - 07h12

Atualizado às 16h48.

"I want to shout for everyone to hear that my restaurant was raided and this cannot go on," says chef Danielle Dahoui.

The main restaurant of her cafe Ruella, in Itaim, was robbed on the night of May 30, when it was invaded by three armed men. Instead of installing (more) cameras and hiring (more) security guards, Dahoui requested meetings with Governor Geraldo Alckmin and Mayor Fernando Haddad, yet to be confirmed, and contacted restaurant unions and chefs to protest against the violence.

Marlene Bergamo/Folhapress

Chef Danielle Dahoui

Chefs such as Alex Atala (D.O.M. and Dalva e Dito), Carolina Brandão (Las Chicas) and Raphael Despirite (Marcel) showed their support for Dahoui's initiative. Led by her, they are holding meetings to discuss the problem and to organize a major street protest (not scheduled yet) to attract attention to the movement.

"We [restaurant owners] attract tourists, provide jobs, heat up the economy... We have power to make demands," says Dahoui. Ruella's case was the 21st registered in São Paulo in 2013, among other restaurants, bars and cafes.

After Ruella, on June 6, the Quiosque Chopp Brahma bar, on Santa Justina street, close to Ruella, also raided.

As not all victims inform the police, the number could be higher. Folha verified that there have been at least 40 alleged cases this year. In 2012, there were 34.

The Investigation Department on Organized Crime (Deic) created a police station to investigate raids.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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