Brazil: Protests possible in Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region through late July following recent police killing

Event

Protests are possible in the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region of Minas Gerais State through late July following the recent police killing of a Black man in the metropolitan area. A police officer reportedly shot and killed the individual in Contagem's Vila Barraginha neighborhood late July 16 after receiving reports of gunshots and an armed man making threats in the area; while police did not seize any weapons from the man, authorities assert that he attempted to take responding officers' guns. The family of the deceased man has reportedly called for peaceful demonstrations to denounce the officer-involved shooting death.

High tensions over the case and associated video footage may lead to significant protest activity; up to several hundred individuals could participate in such demonstrations. Police will likely deploy to any related protests. Demonstrations and associated security measures could cause localized transport and business disruptions. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out.

Advice

Avoid possible protest sites due to the potential for clashes. If crowds begin forming nearby, immediately depart the area. Monitor local media for updates as rallies could materialize on short notice. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions in protest-affected areas; use alternative routes to circumvent demonstration sites. Adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities.