UN experts on Friday called for a swift and effective investigation into the deadliest police operation in Brazil’s history after a raid in a Rio de Janeiro favela last week killed at least 120 people, warning that the incident is part of a “disturbing pattern” of excessive force.

The experts pleaded with the Brazilian authorities to immediately withdraw from any ongoing operations resulting in the excessive use of force, provide round-the-clock protection to witnesses, relatives, and community members from reprisals, preserve available evidence and record possible violations, guarantee independent forensic examinations that adhere to international human rights safeguards, and use appropriate, internationally-proscribed standards on the use of force.

Also known as “Operação Contenção,”

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