Video captures cowardly act by police against student.
Leslie Messias, a student in London taking photographs of protests in Rio de Janeiro, was assaulted on the ground with batons, punches, and kicks by military police officers; she was then taken to the police station; "Her worst act was protesting against the corruption that dominates the country," said her mother; watch.
247 – On the ground, student Leslie Messias was the target of batons, kicks, and punches delivered by military police officers during protests held last night in the city center against Governor Sergio Cabral. She was not carrying weapons nor did she maintain an aggressive attitude towards the police officers. In practice, she wasn't even participating in the protests, as she was only taking photos for a college assignment she is pursuing in London. However, she was assaulted and arrested.
"What kind of state is this?" she asked about the attacks she suffered. "The police are on the streets to protect every citizen, not to commit such an absurdity."
The Military Police command promised to investigate the images to assess possible punishment for those involved.
Below is the video of the assault posted on YouTube: