80 bullets and 4 Reals: Brazil’s structural inequality in two shocking acts

This week, two separate incidents, both occurring in Rio de Janeiro, served as troubling reminders of the structural racism and class divides which still underpin Brazilian society. The first, far more severe, was the shocking news of the death of musician Evaldo dos Santos Rosa, murdered by Army soldiers in the north zone of Rio.  

Mr. Dos Santos, driving in a car and accompanied by his wife, father-in-law, child, and godson, was killed after members of a military patrol opened fire on the white Ford Ka, discharging at least 80 shots and killing the 51-year-old instantly. His father-in-law, Sérgio Gonçalves, was wounded, as was a passer-by.

The Armed Forces claimed Mr. Dos Santos and Mr. Gonçalves were criminals and attacked the military patrol, who retaliated with lethal force. No firearms were found within the vehicle, however, and eyewitness reports contradicted the Army’s account of events. The following day, the military command announced that as a result of “inconsistencies” in their statements, the 12 officials involved had been dismissed. Ten of them were then arrested by the Military Judicial Police, having allegedly “disobeyed the rules of engagement.”

Statements given by Mr. Dos Santos’ widow, Luciana Oliveira, disputed the version initially reported by the Armed Forces. She said the family was on their way to a baby shower, and that the shooting began without warning.

“There was no confrontation. We were singing then we heard a shattering [noise]. The blood spattered on me,” she told the press. According to Ms. Oliveira, the military men mocked...