Brazil's National Force authorised to send reinforcements to Amazonas

The Justice Ministry has authorised the deployment of men from the National Public Security Force in an attempt to contain the prison crisis in Manaus, Amazonas state in North Brazil. Governor José Melo has requested both personnel and equipment reinforcements.

Since January 1, at least 64 prisoners have been killed in three prison units in Manaus—Anísio Jobim prison complex (COMPAJ), Antônio Trindade penal institution (IPAT), and Desembargador Raimundo Vidal Pessoa public jail, where four inmates were killed in the early hours of Sunday (Jan. 8).

The governor of Amazonas has admitted that the rioting and deaths on Sunday were central in his decision to seek federal support. The public jail had been reactivated as an emergency measure to receive prisoners from other units who were under death threats.

The state governor also pointed out these are not isolated incidents but part of a wider, nationwide  problem that will require joint efforts to be addressed.

Last week, the state government had already asked the Justice Ministry to provide electronic ankle monitors, body scanners, mobile phone jammers and funding to expand and refit the Medical Examinations and Forensics centres.

Other states

The neighbouring state Roraima is also expected to request federal deployments later today (9). The state's prison crisis has resulted in the death of 33 inmates at Monte Cristo rural penitentiary in the state capital, Boa Vista. With 750 beds, the prison currently houses more than 1,400 inmates.

Translated by Mayra Borges