Residents and shop owners in Catiri, located in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, are sounding alarms about the growing presence of militia groups that have been extorting them for about three years. These armed criminals reportedly collect fees on a weekly basis, with amounts ranging between R$ 50 to R$ 500, and employ threats and intimidation to enforce compliance. Witness accounts describe a climate of fear, as these groups not only demand payments but also instill a sense of insecurity among the community.

Following the death of a notorious militia leader known as Marquinho Catiri, the area has become increasingly dangerous, with reports of fierce clashes between the paramilitaries and members of the Comando Vermelho, a criminal faction vying for control over the region. These confrontations exacerbate the residents' fears, as the community is caught in the crossfire between competing gangs. Witnesses have stated that militia members frequently patrol the area with weapons, heightening the level of intimidation experienced by local residents.

The presence of the militia in Catiri serves to underline broader issues within urban Brazil, where organized crime, especially in impoverished neighborhoods, thrives amid a perceived lack of effective law enforcement. As the locals continue to struggle with extortion and violence, the situation raises critical questions about governmental response and the protection of citizens in areas plagued by crime. Many locals express their hope for intervention, as they seek to reclaim their safety and livelihoods in an environment dominated by fear and intimidation.