International
Bolsonaro pardon includes Brazilian officers convicted in prison massacre
| By AFP |
Outgoing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has pardoned security forces convicted of crimes committed more than 30 years ago, which legal experts say applies to agents found guilty of an infamous prison massacre in 1992.
The far-right leader’s decree, which is part of a traditional Christmas pardoning and comes nine days before he leaves office, gives a pass to officers whose crimes “were not considered extremely serious” and were committed in the line of duty more than three decades ago, an official document said.
The measure would, therefore, pardon 74 police officers convicted in the massacre at Sao Paulo’s Carandiru prison on October 2, 1992, when 111 detainees were killed in a military police intervention to control a riot, according to specialists.
While prosecutors said the prisoners were executed, the defense maintained that members of the military police were acting in self-defense.
Carandiru prison was closed following the episode.
Although the agents were tried and sentenced, they have so far lived free thanks to multiple appeals, according to the Brazilian press.
International
Trump: “I Don’t Rule Out Anything” When Asked About Troops for Venezuela
U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that he may speak at some point with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and did not rule out the possibility of sending American troops to the South American nation.
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions over the U.S. military deployment in the Caribbean aimed at combating drug trafficking. Venezuela views the operation as a step toward toppling Maduro, whom Washington accuses of leading a “terrorist” organization involved in narcotics trafficking.
“At some point, I will talk to him,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. Maduro “has not been good for the United States,” he added.
When asked whether he ruled out sending U.S. troops to Venezuela, Trump replied, “No, I don’t rule it out. I don’t rule out anything.”
“We have to take care of Venezuela,” he continued. “They have sent hundreds of thousands of people from their prisons into our country.”
International
Armed Civilians Block Roads in Michoacán Amid Operation Targeting Criminal Leader
Armed civilians blocked several highways in the western Mexican state of Michoacán on Monday in response to a security operation targeting a criminal leader, just a week after President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government reinforced the presence of federal forces in the region.
The federal deployment was increased following the early November shooting death of Carlos Manzo, mayor of the municipality of Uruapan. His killing sparked protests and widespread demands for justice.
Michoacán is home to major drug trafficking groups such as the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and La Nueva Familia Michoacana—both designated as “foreign terrorist organizations” by U.S. President Donald Trump in February.
“Following an operation to apprehend a priority target (a criminal leader), armed civilians set up roadblocks and burned vehicles at various highway points in La Piedad, Zamora, and Pátzcuaro,” the Michoacán Public Security Secretariat reported on X.
“Our Civil Guard is already clearing the roads; two suspected individuals were killed,” the agency added, without specifying the intended target of the operation.
Organized crime groups in Mexico frequently block roads to prevent the capture of their leaders or to hinder law enforcement activities.
The blockades also occurred just hours before a new state public security secretary took office. José Antonio Cruz—a former official of the local prosecutor’s office and former National Guard executive—assumed the position, replacing Juan Carlos Oseguera.
The killing of Mayor Manzo during a public Day of the Dead event on November 1 triggered protests throughout Michoacán. During demonstrations held Saturday in Mexico City, participants also demanded justice for the crime.
International
Armed Men Kidnap 25 Schoolgirls in Northwestern Nigeria, Police Report
Armed members of a criminal organization kidnapped 25 students from an all-girls secondary school in northwestern Nigeria, police said on Monday.
According to the statement, by the time police officers arrived at the scene, the suspects had already scaled the school’s fence and abducted the 25 students from their dormitory.
A report prepared for the United Nations indicates that the school’s deputy head was shot dead during the attack, while a security guard was injured.
Police in Kebbi State announced that a joint team of police officers, soldiers, and members of civilian militias was deployed to the area.
The team is “thoroughly combing the routes used by the bandits and the surrounding forest” in an effort to rescue the kidnapped students and apprehend those responsible for the heinous act, authorities added.
Trump: “I Don’t Rule Out Anything” When Asked About Troops for Venezuela
Armed Civilians Block Roads in Michoacán Amid Operation Targeting Criminal Leader
Armed Men Kidnap 25 Schoolgirls in Northwestern Nigeria, Police Report
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