Gangs have posted messages across the slum in Brazil ordering residents to respect a night curfew or face the consequences. “If the government won’t do the right thing, organized crime will,” reads one painted notice.
While Civil Defense sirens sound three times a day in many areas across the favelas or slums, asking residents to self-isolate, the order from local criminal gangs to stay inside at night marks the most severe effort to combat the spread of Coronavirus in the beleaguered city slums.
“Attention all residents of Rio das Pedras, Muzema and Tijuquinha! Curfew from 8pm today. Whoever is seen on the street after this time will learn to respect the next one,” one threatening message reads.
“We want the best for the population. If the government does not have the capacity to fix it, organized crime will solve it,” reads another.
Brazil’s government, or indeed Rio’s municipal government, has yet to impose a curfew.
