Governador do Estado de Rio de Janeiro
Anthony William Garotinho
Palacio da Guanabara

Rua Pinheiro Mancho s/n0
22238-900 Rio de Janeiro RJ
Brazil

Governor of Rio de Janeiro State:

I am writing to express concern at the killing of Elizabeth Cristina de Oliveira Maia on 26 September.

I also express my concern for the safety of other witnesses and the relatives of victims of police death squad killings in Rio de Janeiro.

I ask for the authorities to take immediate steps to properly fund and support a witness protection program capable of protecting those at risks.

I call for a swift, impartial and effective investigation of the killing of Elizabeth Cristina de Oliveira Maia, which will examine the possible involvement of police officers, for the results to be made public, and for those responsible to be brought to justice.

I also call for the federal authorities to intervene and take immediate steps to combat the continuing activities of police death squads in Rio de Janeiro.

Thank you and please keep me informed.

James Donahue

CC: State Secretary for Public Security
Minister of Justice
Centro Brasileiro de Defensa do Directo da Crinaca e do Adolescente
Ambassador Rubens Barbosa