In Rio, police officers suspected of excessive force will be suspended.
The four military police officers under investigation for excessive force during a protest against the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro will be removed from street duty for at least 30 days. According to the Military Police press office, they were administratively detained for 72 hours and, once that period ends, will remain in their barracks performing administrative duties. The Military Police investigations, with a 30-day completion deadline, were opened after videos and photos published in the press and on social media showed soldiers assaulting journalists and protesters.
Vitor Abdala - Reporter for Agência Brasil
The four military police officers under investigation for excessive force during protest against the World Cup, last Sunday (13), in Rio de Janeiro, will be kept off the streets for at least 30 days. According to the Military Police press office, they were administrative prisoners for 72 hours and, when the deadline is over, they will remain inside the barracks, performing administrative duties.
With a 30-day deadline for completion, the Military Police investigations were opened after videos and photos released in the press and on social media showed soldiers assaulting journalists and protesters.
One of the videos shows Canadian cameraman Jason O'Hara being kicked in the face by a soldier. There is also suspicion that the journalist had his camera stolen by another soldier.
One of the police officers is suspected of assaulting Portal Terra photographer Mauro Pimentel, whose photos show the moment the officer hit him with a baton. The fourth officer arrested is accused of kicking a young female protester twice.
The Police Internal Affairs Department is also investigating the case of a police officer who allegedly harassed a female protester during the demonstration. In an amateur video, he is caught mocking the protester's injuries.