Politics · Brazil · 1 day ago
Lawmaker asks Brazil’s federal police to investigate more attacks on religious images
Brazilian federal lawmaker Guilherme Cortez has asked the Federal Police to add recent acts of vandalism to an existing investigation into religious intolerance.
The incidents cited involved men damaging sacred images inside churches in São Paulo and Minas Gerais states.
The police inquiry began in September after an order from Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino.
The attacks came amid reports that efforts were being made to remove Our Lady of Aparecida’s title as Brazil’s patron saint.
Cortez wants investigators to check whether the incidents are connected and whether any public officials were involved.
He has also asked federal police to coordinate with state police to strengthen security at processions and religious events near the Our Lady of Aparecida holiday.
The police have not said whether they will expand the inquiry or change security arrangements.
Federal deputy-elect Guilherme Cortez has asked Brazil’s federal police to add recent attacks on religious images to an existing investigation.
The attacks cited involved men damaging sacred images inside churches in cities in São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
Cortez wants investigators to examine whether the incidents are linked and whether any public officials were involved.
He also asked federal police to coordinate with state police to strengthen security at religious events and processions.
- Who
- Federal deputy-elect Guilherme Cortez (PSOL-SP) asked the Federal Police to expand its investigation.
- What
- He wants recent attacks on religious images included in an existing inquiry and has asked for more security at religious events.
- When
- The request was filed in the days before the Nossa Senhora Aparecida holiday; the exact date is not stated.
- Where
- The reported attacks took place in cities in São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
- Why
- Cortez wants investigators to check for links between the attacks and possible involvement by public officials, and to prevent further incidents.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The Federal Police opened an inquiry into cases of religious intolerance after an order from Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino.
Men damaged sacred images inside churches in cities in São Paulo and Minas Gerais.
Cortez filed a request asking the Federal Police to include the new incidents in its inquiry and coordinate security with state police.
- Requester
- Guilherme Cortez, PSOL-SP
- Investigating agency
- Brazil’s Federal Police
- Reported locations
- Cities in São Paulo and Minas Gerais
- Existing inquiry opened
- September
- Security request
- Coordination with state police at cities hosting processions and religious events
What people are saying
Although these elements are not sufficient to demonstrate the existence of criminal coordination, it is recommended that possible links between those involved be checked, including communications, external encouragement, common instructions or other forms of organized participation.
In light of recent events, an immediate risk assessment and institutional coordination are necessary to prevent further incidents, especially at locations with large concentrations of participants.
Sources
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