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Rio Residents Launch Grassroots Anti-Crime Programs Ahead of Election
Residents are expanding free classes, job training and podcasts as more than 120 people were killed in Rio’s deadliest police operation last year.
Ahead of October's presidential election, Rio residents are launching grassroots anti-crime programs to combat gang recruitment. While politicians like Sen. Bolsonaro and President Luiz debate security policies, community leaders independently bridge the gap through martial arts, podcasts, and job training.
Last year's police operation in Rio killed more than 120 people, fueling this movement. Many residents view the government's current armed approach as inefficient, prompting community-led alternatives to address violence and recruitment.
Abraco Campeao, a martial arts school in Complexo Alemao founded by Alan Duarte, offers free boxing, jiu-jitsu, and capoeira classes to youth. Duarte hopes to expand the school's current 600-student capacity to 1,000, providing attendees identity and belonging.
Ex-Trafficker Fábio Santos hosts the podcast 01 Sobreviventes, which reaches more than 225,000 followers on Instagram. The program dissects gang life dangers, with Santos saying he wants listeners to "follow our current lives" and avoid criminality.
Organizers like Nadia dos Santos help youth under 26 access job training and counseling through community projects. By providing employment and education alternatives, these initiatives aim to break the cycle of violence and offer dignity to vulnerable populations.
Violence is increasing against supporters and candidates of the various political parties in the run-up to the 4 October elections, who will appoint the president, governors and federal and state parliamentarians.
Crime is the main concern of Brazilians in the face of the presidential elections in October, and candidates are competing to offer the toughest — and most effective — approach to addressing this deeply rooted problem.