Operation Aurora investigates suspicions of torture and private detention in a clinic in Paraná

Operation Aurora on Paraná was launched by the Public Prosecutor’s Office on Tuesday to investigate suspected torture, kidnapping and private imprisonment against dozens of women admitted to a therapeutic clinic in the West of the state. The research points to indications that some patients were kept in place against their own will.

The action was conducted by the Prosecutor's Office of the District of Terra Roxa, with support from the Regional Umuarama Group of the Special Action Group to Combat Organized Crime (Gaeco) and the Technical Support Center for Execution (Caex).

Among the measures authorized by the Judgment of the Guarantees of the Criminal Court of the district is a temporary arrest warrant, lasting 30 days, against the manager and owner of the establishment investigated.

Search and seizure warrants were also enforced at five addresses, including the clinic headquarters, homes of investigators, a rural property and vehicles.

During the diligence, a man was also arrested in flagrante for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

MPs investigate alleged punishments and restrictions

According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the clinic held approximately 72 women, including people with disabilities.

The investigations indicate, in a preliminary way, that several inmates would be prevented from leaving the place and would be subjected to a disciplinary system with punishments.

Among the practices investigated are alleged punishments, restriction of family visits and compulsory work.

The MPPR also claims to have identified indications of forced use of sedative drugs. According to the investigation, these substances would be called “Danone” within the establishment and would have been used to cause the patients’ unconsciousness.

There are also reports of possible omission of medical care.

Women would have been told to remain silent

Another point investigated involves the clinic’s performance during audits of public bodies. According to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, there are reports that women received at the site were directed, under threat, to remain silent during the inspections.

The circumstances reported are part of the investigation and will still be deepened from the materials seized during Operation Aurora.

Justice authorizes access to electronic data

In addition to the searches and arrests, the court authorized the removal of confidentiality and the extraction of data from electronic devices collected during the operation. Cell phones, computers and other seized materials will be analyzed by the Public Prosecutor's Office of Paraná.

The objective, according to the body, is to gather new evidence, clarify the dynamics of the facts and identify possible criminal responsibility of other people involved. The investigation is still ongoing.

So far, the information released by the Public Prosecutor’s Office deals with suspicions and evidence found during the investigation. Any individual responsibilities will still depend on the conclusion of the investigations and the decisions of the Justice.

 

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