The three agents of the Federal Highway Police (PRF) involved in the death of Genivaldo de Jesus Santos, which took place in May during an approach by the Federal Highway Police (PRF) in the municipality of Umbaúba, in the south of the state of Sergipe. They presented themselves this morning (14) to the Federal Police (PF). The three have already submitted to the custody hearing and went to prison.
Yesterday (13), the Federal Court in Sergipe decreed the arrest of the three police officers. Magistrate Rafael Soares Souza issued a decision after the Federal Public Ministry in Sergipe (MPF/SE) asked for their arrest, in addition to denouncing them for the crimes of abuse of authority, torture and qualified homicide. Last month, the PF had concluded the investigation into the case and entered the Public Ministry, indicting the three for abuse of authority and qualified homicide.
Genivaldo’s death, which took place in May, gained national attention because of the images posted on the internet, which show the victim trapped inside a smoky vehicle. Genivaldo struggles with his legs out while a highway patrolman keeps the trunk lid down, preventing the man from getting out.
According to the state’s Legal Medical Institute (IML), Genivaldo died of acute failure secondary to asphyxia. He would have been stopped by agents for riding a motorcycle without a helmet. Until yesterday’s decision by the MPF/SE, the agents followed the unfolding of the case in freedom, removed from their duties.
