BRAZIL
Battle in the Streets
Newly inaugurated President Jair Bolsonaro is struggling to put down violent riots in northeastern Brazil, with clashes continuing despite the deployment of at least 300 members of the elite, military-style National Police Force.
The authorities say criminal organizations ordered the riots in the northeast state of Ceara – in which cars and buses have been set ablaze and gas stations have been attacked – in response to plans to impose stricter control over the country’s prisons, where criminal gangs now wield tremendous power, the Associated Press reported.
A far-right leader who has praised Brazil’s former military dictatorship, Bolsonaro pledged to crack down on crime during his campaign. He has also said he will reduce legal restrictions on guns to empower ordinary Brazilians to defend themselves.
So far, more than 100 people have been taken into custody in connection with the recent outbreak of violence, the news agency said. Police have also killed two people in a shootout.
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