Brazilian Police Face Fury After Racially Profiling Black Diplomats' Sons

Teenage sons of diplomats from Canada, Gabon, and Burkina Faso were subjected to a violent stop-and-search by police in Rio de Janeiro, sparking outrage and accusations of racism.

The incident came to light after a security camera video emerged, showing the boys, all Black and aged 13, being held at gunpoint by officers. The video, posted online by the mother of one of the Brazilian boys in the group, ignited a firestorm of criticism.

Wealthy Neighborhood, Shocking Treatment

The teenagers were on a celebratory post-school trip in Rio when the incident occurred. While returning from the beach in the affluent Ipanema neighbourhood, a military police patrol car approached them. Officers singled out the Black teens, forcing them to face a wall and searching them with guns drawn.

Racial Bias Evident

The boys' accounts and the video footage paint a disturbing picture. Rhaiana Rondon, the Brazilian mother, alleges officers treated her white Brazilian son significantly gentler than the Black boys. "The officer guided my son much more gently because he is white, while the three Black youths had guns pointed at their heads," she stated.

The teenagers further claimed the officers demanded a humiliating body check for drugs. One boy wrote to his parents, stating the officers threatened them with repeat searches if they were seen walking around again.

Diplomatic Outrage

The incident involved the sons of ambassadors from Gabon, Burkina Faso, and Canada. Julie-Pascale Moudoute-Bell, the wife of the Gabonese ambassador, expressed her disgust, stating, "The police are there to protect. How could they point guns at the heads of 13-year-old boys?"

Government Apology, Investigation Launched

Following the uproar, the Brazilian government issued a formal apology to the affected embassies. The Foreign Ministry urged the Rio state government to conduct a thorough investigation and hold the officers accountable.

Systemic Racism a Harsh Reality

Amnesty International Brazil condemned the incident as blatant racism. Jurema Werneck, the organization's executive director, highlighted the prevalence of such incidents, stating, "There's nothing besides racism to explain the attack these Black teenagers suffered... Unfortunately, the brutality suffered by these teenagers is not the first and, sadly, won't be the last."

Data supports this claim. A recent report revealed that Black people comprised a staggering 87% of the over 1,300 killed by Rio police in 2022, despite only making up 58% of the state's population.

Police Response and Lasting Trauma

Rio's military police are analyzing body camera footage from the officers involved to determine "if there was any excess."  The civil police are also investigating the case.

The teenagers have been left traumatized by the ordeal. Rondon shared how they panicked upon seeing the same patrol car again, hiding in an ice cream parlour. The Brazilian mother expressed her heartbreak, stating, "I never imagined that the police would be the biggest threat."