More than 70 women were kept against their will in a clinic in Paraná, says MP

More than 70 women were being held against their will at a therapeutic clinic located in Red Land, west of Paraná. According to an investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Paraná (MPPR), women in detention have been subjected to punishment, forced labour, suspension of family visits and forced use of sedative drugs.

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The case is being investigated in Operation Aurora. The manager and owner of the establishment was temporarily arrested on Tuesday (15). His father was also arrested in flagrante for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, but was released on bail. The identities were not disclosed.

The women were taken without permission.

The therapeutic center exclusively served women in treatment for chemical dependence. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, among the patients were also people with disabilities.

The prosecutor in charge of the case said there are indications that some women were taken to the clinic without legal authorization, prior medical request or judicial determination. The investigation also brings together reports on the restriction of visits by relatives, the application of punishments and the imposition of jobs on inmates.

Another point investigated is the forced use of sedative drugs. According to MPPR, the drugs were dubbed “danone” and used to cause some women to lose consciousness. There are also reports of possible omission of medical relief and threats so that patients do not report irregularities during inspections.

The clinic continues to work

Despite the operation, the clinic was not banned. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, approximately 72 women remained interned because it would not be possible to transfer all at once to other establishments. The forecast is that the transfers will be carried out gradually.

During the operation, the courts also authorized searches at five addresses, including the headquarters of the clinic, residences of the investigators, a rural property and vehicles. Electronic equipment was seized and will have the data analyzed by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

What the clinic says

In a statement, the institution denied the charges of private imprisonment and ill-treatment. The clinic stated that it collaborates with the investigations and stated that it works within the legal parameters, with a multidisciplinary team and care based on humanization and respect.

Investigations continue to identify the possible responsibility of those involved.