Armed Forces send troops of 1,000 soldiers to work in prisons

Defense Minister Raul Jungmann said today (Jan. 18) that the federal government will send at least 1,000 soldiers of the Army, Navy and Air Force to work in prisons across the country.

According to the minister, the officers will be ready to take action within eight to ten days and the number of soldiers may increase according to the states' demands. Military employees who had been previously involved in sweep and security operations during the World Cup and the Olympic Games will be, whenever possible, displaced from other units of the federation, to ensure the safety of teams and avoid the "contamination" of the operation.

When commenting on the government's decision to authorize the Armed Forces to go into prisons, President Michel Temer said today (17) that Brazilian prisons are in a hellish situation and more than courage and "certain boldness" are required to handle it. "For the first time, although the hellish drama situation in which the country's prisons are placed, we held a very constructive dialogue with the defense sector, and the Armed Forces are prepared to inspect the prisons. Because, first, they have great credibility, and secondly, great authority," he said.

Sweep operation

Initially, the Ministry of Defense will earmark $3.1 million to pay the operation costs, but this amount will also change as needed. According to the minister, the military officers will only enter the prisons after local police forces guarantee that there is no risk. They will have no contact with prisoners, who will be removed from their cells and other facilities during the search for firearms, drugs, and cell phones.

"The Armed Forces are trained for this. In the Olympics, we conducted sweep operations on almost all residences used for the Games. We have very well trained staff to undertake this kind of task," added Jungmann,

The minister explained that although they will take control over the sweep operation in the prison unit, the Armed Forces will not operate, nor control prisons and penitentiaries. They will not replace state police officers and prison guards, nor will they act alone.

The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces will also provide state security forces with training so that they may conduct regular inspections.

New riots

The minister said that the Armed Forces support to states governments will hardly prevent other riots or deaths in prisons, but it might reduce the number of cases and the lethality level of riots.

Translated by Amarílis Anchieta

Relacionadas

Brazil government authorizes Armed Forces to work in prisons