Activists lay out a Brazilian national flag, punctured to symbolize bullet holes, on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday, Jan. 23, 2017, during a protest calling for an end to the violence that erupts during police operations against suspected drug traffickers and thieves. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

Tombstones on Rio beach for kids killed by stray bullets

RIO DE JANEIRO – A Brazilian civil rights organization is placing tombstones on Copacabana Beach to commemorate children killed by stray bullets in Rio de Janeiro.

The Rio de Paz group has also spread over the sand a large Brazilian flag with several holes representing bullets.

Monday’s action follows the death of a 2-year-old girl hit by a stray bullet while playing in northern Rio de Janeiro. The case is under investigation.

The host city of the 2016 Summer Olympics has long struggled with violence. Shootouts between drug traffickers, or between traffickers and police, are common. Some of the violence occasionally spills into touristy and well-to-do neighbourhoods.

Rio de Paz estimates that at least 31 children in Rio have been killed by stray bullets in the last 10 years.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles