This kind of attack was not meant to happen any more. Paramilitary police invaded Rocinha in November, driving out the armed drug traffickers who had controlled the area for decades. “They weren’t even wearing hoods,” says Mr Marinho of his assailants. “Rocinha is huge. There just aren’t enough police now to look after the place. Two other little shops were robbed, too.”

To read the rest of the history: CLICK HERE

From: Joe Leahy and Samantha Pearson in Rocinha, Rio de Janeiro,Financial Times, 29/12/11

Tags