Rio de Janeiro Unveils Comprehensive Five-Phase Plan to Combat Organized Crime to Supreme Court
Rio de Janeiro government presents a five-phase recovery plan to the Supreme Court aiming to reclaim state control and develop favelas dominated by organized crime.
- • Rio de Janeiro government presented a five-phase plan to STF on combating organized crime in favelas.
- • The plan starts post-Carnival 2026 focusing first on enhanced security and police presence.
- • Later phases involve social development, economic support, and sustainability efforts.
- • Governor Cláudio Castro emphasized ‘reoccupation’ as restoring state authority beyond policing.
Key details
The government of Rio de Janeiro has formally presented a detailed recovery plan targeting areas dominated by organized crime to the Supreme Federal Court (STF) on October 22, 2025. This ambitious initiative aims to address the pervasive control of paramilitary groups and drug factions, particularly in the city's southwest favelas such as Rio das Pedras, Muzema, and Gardênia Azul.
The plan, developed in response to the ADPF 635 case, outlines five crucial phases focusing on the reoccupation of these territories with sustained state presence and social development. The initial phase, set to begin after the 2026 Carnival, prioritizes enhancing security through increased police deployment, federal support if required, and strict monitoring of businesses entangled in illicit operations.
Subsequent phases emphasize social and economic rehabilitation, including urban improvements, education reforms, community engagement, and bolstering economic opportunities through support for small businesses. The final stages address long-term sustainability to maintain peace and development in these communities.
Governor Cláudio Castro stressed that the concept of "reoccupation" involves restoring full state authority beyond mere police action, requiring cooperation across government branches. He highlighted that the comprehensive plan resulted from consultations with approximately 400 residents to ensure their needs and concerns shape the recovery efforts.
The 300-page document also draws inspiration from Medellín's historical experience in transitioning from violence to sustained development, aiming to replace the "economy of crime" with legitimate and inclusive growth opportunities. This strategic approach marks a significant evolution from intermittent interventions toward lasting social transformation in the favelas.
This Rio initiative is part of Brazil’s broader legal and policy reforms against organized crime seen nationally, complementing recent legislative measures passed by the Câmara dos Deputados to tighten penalties and enhance public security measures across the country.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
