What's happened
Recent incidents of police violence in Brazil, including the death of Genivaldo de Jesus Santos and the assault of an unarmed man, have ignited public outrage. The cases highlight systemic issues within law enforcement and the racial disparities in police violence, particularly against Black individuals.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian reported on the tragic death of Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, who died after being confined in a police vehicle filled with pepper spray, highlighting the systemic racism in Brazil. Historian Ynaê Lopes dos Santos noted that the public reaction to Santos's death was muted compared to the global outcry following George Floyd's death, suggesting a normalization of police violence against Black individuals in Brazil. Meanwhile, AP News detailed a shocking incident where a police officer pushed an unarmed man off a bridge, further illustrating the increasing brutality of law enforcement in São Paulo. This has led to calls for accountability and reform, as the public grapples with the implications of such violence on society.
How we got here
Brazil has a long history of police violence, particularly against its Black population, which constitutes 55% of the country. Recent events, including the deaths of Genivaldo de Jesus Santos and other victims, have drawn attention to the ongoing issue of systemic racism and police brutality.
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Jair Messias Bolsonaro is a Brazilian politician and retired military officer who has been the 38th president of Brazil since 1 January 2019.
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Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in both South America and Latin America. At 8.5 million square kilometers and with over 211 million people, Brazil is the world's fifth-largest country by area and the sixth most