Editorial photo #1602301 Politics

Rio de Janeiro strengthens security to limit protests

Known as Caveirao, the police armored vehicle intimidates by size and firepower. This type of vehicle being used against demonstrators was created for armed conflicts with drug traffickers who use rifles against police officers. The Military Police of Rio de Janeiro used a new technique to limit the manifestation of employees of state-owned enterprises. In Brazil, the right to peaceful demonstration is guaranteed by the Constitution, but in recent protests in Rio de Janeiro, the police usually use violence to disparage protesters and limit the right to protest. On Monday, December 12, 2016, hundreds of police officers made strings of isolation in the vicinity of Alerj (Parliament of Rio de Janeiro). People who wanted to enter the area closest to Alerj had their purses and backpacks searched, causing embarrassment. Even so, thousands of demonstrators gathered to fight against the austerity package that the government wants to implement. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, December 12, 2016. (Photo by Luiz Souza/NurPhoto)