Julia Michaels – Christian Science Monitor, 10/20/2011
Rio de Janeiro's Security Secretary, Jose Mariano Beltrame, attends a press conference at Justice Court of Rio de Janeiro, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Sept. 12. Fabio Motta/Agencia Estado/Newscom/File
Highlights of an extensive Epoca magazine interview published yesterday, with State Public Safety Secretary, Jose Mariano Beltrame, by Ruth de Aquino.
- Paramilitary gangs, milícias, are the priority now, not drug traffickers. ”Almost every week we arrest a militia member,” Mr. Beltrame said. When a judge who’d been tough on milicianos was gunned down in front of her home this past August, it was instantly clear they’d gone too far. Eleven military police, including a battalion commander, are behind bars now, accused of the killing. The assassination touched off a major shakeup in the military police hierarchy, starting with the chief’s resignation.
- Rocinha favela will be pacified soon, and its druglord, Nem, may turn himself in. “Bring Nem. Great. It’s just a question of finding a time and place. No problem.”
Brazil Portal 