Elderly man arrested on suspicion of racial slur during Carnival in Salvador
A 60-year-old man was arrested in Salvador for racial slurs and threats made during Carnival festivities.
During the Carnival festivities in Salvador, a 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of committing racial slurs and making threats against a 42-year-old victim. The incident occurred on Saturday, February 14, in the Campo Grande area of the city, where the victim was working in a Carnival bloc when he was verbally assaulted with discriminatory language. After the victim reported the incident, law enforcement promptly initiated a search for the suspect.
With the assistance of video surveillance systems, police were able to locate the suspect in Campo Grande Square shortly after the report was made. Upon being confronted by the authorities, the suspect was initially taken to a specialized police unit focused on respect for vulnerable groups and victims of intolerance and racism (Servvir). Subsequently, he was transferred to the Inter-States Police Coordination (Polinter), where he is being held pending further legal proceedings and the execution of a preventive arrest warrant.
This incident highlights the ongoing issues of racism and intolerance in Brazilian society, particularly during public events such as Carnival, which are meant to celebrate diversity and inclusion. The swift actions of the police in response to the victim's report illustrate a commitment to addressing such conduct, emphasizing that acts of racial discrimination will not be tolerated and that law enforcement takes these matters seriously. This case serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and action against racism in all forms throughout Brazil, especially during large-scale cultural celebrations like Carnival.