The Rio de Janeiro State Prosecutor’s Office (MP-RJ) has confirmed to UOL that it has obtained images and reports from the Military Police regarding the incidents that led to the death of one Vasco fan and the loss of vision in another, following the classic match against Flamengo on May 3 at Maracanã.
The investigation is being coordinated by the Specialized Action Group for Sports and Fan Protection (GAEDEST/MPRJ), which is working to clarify the death of 42-year-old Fabiano Miranda Lopes and the rubber bullet injury that caused 18-year-old Arthur Cortines Laxe Ferreira da Conceição to lose sight in his right eye.
According to a statement from the MP-RJ, the group has requested all Military Police reports, has been in contact with the commander of the Specialized Police Battalion for Stadiums (BEPE), and has already received procedures opened by police stations, images, and the BEPE report, which will serve as the basis for the investigation.
In Arthur Laxes’ case, the MP-RJ has notified the Military Police’s Internal Affairs Division, demanding information on the measures taken and the opening of an internal procedure. Additionally, the Specialized Action Group for Public Security (GAESP/MPRJ) has launched an administrative proceeding and formally contacted the Internal Affairs Division to inquire about the actions taken regarding the police conduct that allegedly resulted in the student’s vision loss.
Meanwhile, the Human Rights Commission has also notified the state government and the Military Police, reinforcing calls for accountability. The GAEDEST/MPRJ emphasized the need to involve clubs in efforts to combat violence and raise fan awareness, noting that sanctions will be increased due to the involvement of already-banned fan groups and the confirmed death.
