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Cop Crisis Threatens Carnival

Rio deals with mass police resignations just ahead of festival

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 31, 2008 12:04 PM CST

(Newser) – A wave of police resignations has hit Rio de Janeiro at the worst possible time, the BBC reports, with Brazil's famous Carnival parades set to begin tomorrow. Forty-three senior officers resigned in protest over the firing of their commander last week; though the city can ill-afford such a crisis, officials say they expect the festival to go off hitch-free.

The police commander was fired for allowing his men to hold public demonstrations demanding higher wages, which Rio governor Sergio Cabral termed insubordination. But Cabral now has a manpower shortage with more than 700,000 people preparing to descend on the city for its biggest event of the year. There’s also a serious leadership void; 17 of the departing officers headed battalions.

Police patrol the Jacarezinho neighborhood during an anti-drug raid in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008.  Heavily armed police cracking down on gangs ahead of Rio's famed carnival celebrations engaged in shootouts in two neighborhoods Wednesday, killing at least seven suspects. (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
Police patrol the Jacarezinho neighborhood during an anti-drug raid in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2008. Heavily armed police cracking down on gangs ahead of Rio's famed carnival celebrations...   (Associated Press)
The Rei Momo, or Carnival King, center, receives the key of the city from Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Cesar Maia during a carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Jan. 29. 2008. The appearance of the Rei Momo marks the beginning of the carnival festivities. (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
The Rei Momo, or Carnival King, center, receives the key of the city from Rio de Janeiro's Mayor Cesar Maia during a carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Jan. 29. 2008. The appearance of the Rei...   (Associated Press)
The Rei Momo, or Carnival King, left, waves to the crowd after receiving  the key of the city during a carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Jan. 29. 2008. The appearance of the Rei Momo marks the beginning of the carnival festivities. (AP Photo/Ricardo Moraes)
The Rei Momo, or Carnival King, left, waves to the crowd after receiving the key of the city during a carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Tuesday, Jan. 29. 2008. The appearance of the Rei Momo marks the...   (Associated Press)
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left, and Rio de Janeiro's Governor Sergio Cabral attend a ceremony at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Jan. 25, 2008.  (AP Photo/ Ricardo Moraes )
Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, left, and Rio de Janeiro's Governor Sergio Cabral attend a ceremony at the Itamaraty Palace in Rio de Janeiro, Friday, Jan. 25, 2008. (AP Photo/ Ricardo...   (Associated Press)
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