Brazil's military to take control of Rio police amid crisis

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP):

Brazil's federal government issued a decree yesterday to put the military in charge of Rio de Janeiro's local police amid a spike in violence.

The move is significant, both symbolically and in practical terms, for Latin America's largest nation, where many still remember the brutal 1964-1985 military dictatorship. Putting the military in charge could bring immediate relief from drug trafficking violence, but also spur fears among Rio's residents of the use of strong-armed tactics.

The decree needs to be confirmed by congress and is expected to pass. Chamber of Deputies Speaker Rodrigo Maia told journalists in Brasilia that it would be voted on next week.

The move is a "triple jump without a safety net", said Maia. "We can't get this wrong. This is an exceptional measure that hopefully won't take too long to re-establish order."

The move comes as President Michel Temer's popularity has fallen to single digits and his push to pass pension reform looks to be flailing. Many saw the decision as a way for him to deflect attention from his political woes.

Still, there is little denying that Rio is struggling. Rio's state Governor Luiz Fernando Pez„o admitted that security planning failed to secure residents and tourists during carnival celebrations, which ended Tuesday.