Brazil: Organized Crime Gangs Terrorize Sao Paulo

No Comments | May 16th, 2006 | Trackback

Rampaging criminal gangs attacked police posts, banks and city buses in a four-day spree in Sao Paulo state that produced 81 deaths, including 39 police or security officers, 38 gang members, and four civilians caught in the crossfire. Many buses were burned, but passengers were allowed to get off before the vehicles were torched. The violence was triggered by the government’s transfer of crime bosses from Sao Paulo city jails to a remote maximum-security prison. The violence occurred throughout the state, with some 180 separate attacks. Of these, ten took place in the greater Sao Paulo urban area, in neighborhoods both rich and poor. Prison riots occurred as part of the uprising, but by the end of the day May 15 the governor announced that the prison violence was over. Tensions remain high, and travelers should be aware of roadblocks and checkpoints.