In light of recent allegations of excessive force used by Brazilian law enforcement, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Brazil’s Attorney General, Augusto Aras, to ensure the independence of investigations into all police killings. The announcement came on Tuesday, after a series of police officers have faced discouraging accusations.
Expressing concerns over the country’s current legal system, the organization stated in an open letter to Aras, that entrusting investigations of police killings to the civil police does not meet international standards. HRW referred to the UN Principles on the Effective Prevention and Investigation of Extra-Legal, Arbitrary, and Summary Executions which obligate governments to undertake thorough, prompt, and impartial investigations of all suspected cases.
Alarming statistics indicate that the Brazilian police were responsible for over 6,400deaths in 2022 according to data consolidated by the Brazilian Forum of Public Security.
Maria Laura Canineu, Brazil Director at HRW, was quoted in the announcement, emphasizing that recent incidents highlight the necessity for improved police conduct investigations. To ensure impartiality, Canineu suggests prosecutors leading investigations into police killings and abuse allegations, rather than the police department itself.
HRW extended several policy recommendations to the Attorney General in their letter. These include:
- Demanding that all investigations into police killings be directed by prosecutors rather than police.
- Ensuring prosecutors promptly visit the crime scene and partake in subsequent crime scene reconstruction.
- Encouraging prosecutors to take statements from victims, victim’s relatives, and witnesses.
- Providing updated information about ongoing investigations to victims and their families.
- Creation of accessible complaint mechanisms for the public to report police misconduct.
- Employment of full-time, independent forensic experts disassociated with the civil police.
Regardless of the responses from the Brazilian government, HRW’s call serves as an international plea to heighten legal standards and prioritize fair investigations into allegations of excessive police conduct. For more detailed information, access the full report here.