The case refers to the delayed and inefficient investigation around police operations carried out in Favela Nova Brasilia in October 1994 and May 1995, which resulted in extrajudicial executions, torture and sexual violence carried out by the police officers.

The Inter-American Court analyzed the facts in the light of standards around due diligence and a reasonable timeframe to investigate cases of extrajudicial executions, especially within the context of cases categorized as “resistance at time of arrest”. Additionally, the Inter-American Court evaluated the independence of investigative bodies in cases of death as a result of police interventions.

Moreover, the Inter-American Court cited the international obligation to investigate cases of sexual violence against women.