The mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, classified the aggressions suffered by Congolese Moïse Kabagambe as “barbarism”.
“What happened there is something unacceptable. I think that our response has to be very blunt, very strong, so that facts like this do not happen again”, said Paes.
Over the weekend, several demonstrations were organized in Brazilian cities, organized by family members, the National Anti-racist Front, Black Movement and the Congolese community in Brazil.
In Rio, the act took place in front of the kiosks where the crime took place. A sound car was used to express repudiation of the 24-year-old’s violent death and to demand justice.
Moïse Kabagambe died after being beaten by three men on the 24th.
According to the family, the Congolese worked as a freelancer at kiosks on the waterfront and would have gone to collect a labor debt in the amount of R$200.
The Civil Police of Rio de Janeiro has heard at least twelve people in the investigation. The suspects of the attacks were arrested on Tuesday (1), on a temporary basis, for 30 days.
The city government of Rio decided to transform the Biruta and Tropicália kiosks into a memorial to Congolese and African culture. On the facade, there will be a photo of Moïse Kabagambe.
The initiative aims to promote the social and economic integration of African refugees and reaffirm the city’s commitment to promoting opportunities for all.
This Monday (7), the mayor of Rio will meet with Moïse’s family members and formalize the concession of the kiosk to the young man’s family.
“We will meet to see how this goes. Obviously, you have to help them at the beginning. Several people, including from universities, have already approached me saying that they are willing to help the family in the beginning to set up the business, make it work. It’s a place that will help support this family, but at the same time, make sure that we don’t forget this brutal act, that we don’t forget and we can honor Moïse,” he said.
Source: CNN Brasil
