Fact Check: There was a massive increase of police killings in Brazil during the Bolsonaro administration, and this was supported by Bolsonaro himself, saying criminals should “die like cockroaches”

Police Killings in Brazil During the Bolsonaro Administration: An Examination of Claims

Introduction

The claim under investigation is that there was a significant increase in police killings in Brazil during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, who allegedly supported this trend by stating that criminals should "die like cockroaches." This assertion raises important questions about the relationship between government rhetoric, policy changes, and police violence in Brazil.

What We Know

Increase in Police Killings: Reports indicate a rise in police killings during Bolsonaro's presidency. For example, between January and August 2019, police in Rio de Janeiro killed 1,249 people, which was nearly a 20% increase compared to the previous year, averaging about five killings per day during that period 4.
Bolsonaro's Statements: Bolsonaro has made several controversial statements regarding crime and policing. He has explicitly stated that he hopes criminals will "die like cockroaches" 5 6. This rhetoric aligns with his administration's push for legislation that aims to provide legal protections for police officers involved in fatal encounters with suspects 2 3.
Legislative Changes: Bolsonaro's government has introduced laws that facilitate police use of lethal force. These laws allow judges to dismiss homicide cases involving police officers if the officer claims self-defense, which critics argue creates loopholes that can lead to increased police violence 1.
International Observations: Human Rights Watch and other organizations have documented the implications of Bolsonaro's policies on police violence, noting that they have encouraged a culture of impunity among law enforcement 7.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim of increased police killings during Bolsonaro's administration is substantial, particularly from reputable sources like Reuters and Human Rights Watch. However, it is essential to critically assess the reliability and potential biases of these sources:

Reuters: As a major international news organization, Reuters is generally considered reliable. Their investigative reports on police violence in Brazil are well-sourced and provide statistical data that can be cross-verified with official government records 3 4.
Human Rights Watch (HRW): HRW is a respected non-governmental organization that focuses on human rights issues globally. Their reports on Brazil's police violence are based on extensive research and interviews, although they may have an advocacy agenda that could influence the framing of their findings 7.
Local Context: The context of Brazil's crime rates and police practices is critical. Brazil has long struggled with high levels of violent crime, which has led to public support for aggressive policing strategies. However, this does not negate the ethical implications of increased police violence and the potential for abuse of power 1.
Conflicting Perspectives: Some sources may present a more supportive view of Bolsonaro's policies, arguing that they are necessary for public safety. However, these perspectives often lack the same level of empirical support and may come from outlets with a political agenda that aligns with Bolsonaro's administration 6.

What Additional Information Would Be Helpful

To further evaluate the claim, additional information would be beneficial, including:

Comprehensive statistical data on police killings before and after Bolsonaro took office, ideally from independent sources.
Detailed analyses of the legislative changes and their direct impact on police behavior.
Testimonies from law enforcement officials and community members affected by police violence to provide a more nuanced understanding of the situation.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence indicates a significant increase in police killings in Brazil during Jair Bolsonaro's presidency, supported by statistical data and reports from credible organizations such as Reuters and Human Rights Watch. Key evidence includes a nearly 20% rise in police killings in Rio de Janeiro in 2019 compared to the previous year, as well as Bolsonaro's controversial statements that appear to endorse aggressive policing tactics.

However, it is important to recognize the complexities surrounding this issue. The context of Brazil's high crime rates and the public's mixed perceptions of police violence complicate the narrative. Additionally, while the sources cited are generally reliable, they may carry inherent biases that could influence their interpretations.

There are limitations in the available evidence, particularly regarding comprehensive longitudinal data on police killings and the direct effects of legislative changes. Further independent research would be beneficial to fully understand the implications of Bolsonaro's policies on police violence.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider multiple perspectives when forming their own conclusions about this complex issue.