In the Acari neighborhood, a low-income community in the north zone of Rio de Janeiro, drug gangs are beating up residents who do not adhere to social isolation measures. Said groups have reportedly imposed a curfew on locals — with harsh physical punishment for non-compliant residents. Gangs have also reportedly sent out a patrol car that blasts the slogan “embrace the idea [of social isolation], or the idea will embrace you.” Local police are investigating the case.
In April, reporter Lucas Berti showed that, throughout Latin America, criminal groups have filled the void left by the state during the coronavirus crisis.
In El Salvador, gangs will not even collect protection money from local businesses while the quarantine is in effect. A series of videos have circulated online showing alleged Salvadoran gang members physically punishing civilians who disrespected their isolation orders.
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