Rio could be ‘laboratory’ for solving Brazil’s crime crisis
SAO PAULO — Brazilian leaders said Monday that the use of the military to combat rising violence in Rio de Janeiro could serve as a model for other violent areas of Brazil.
The armed forces officially took over Rio’s police on Friday under a decree signed by President Michel Temer.
The measure still requires congressional approval, and the lower Chamber of Deputies began debating it late Monday. It is expected to pass both the lower chamber and Senate within a few days.
“We are in a war against crime,” said Speaker Rodrigo Maia in opening the session. “Our weapon is the constitution” for the federal government to intervene.