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| The United States has been accused of sending refugees to Brazil in handcuffs | Photo: AFP |
The United States is facing criticism for allegedly deporting Brazilian refugees in handcuffs. The incident has sparked outrage among Brazil's political opposition and condemnation from its Justice Minister, Ricardo Lewandowski.
The incident occurred last Saturday when a plane carrying 88 Brazilian refugees departed from the US. The flight also included 16 US security personnel and eight crew members. Reports indicate that all refugees aboard the plane were handcuffed.
The flight was initially scheduled to land in Belo Horizonte but was diverted to Minas Gerais due to mechanical issues. It was there that Brazilian authorities discovered the refugees' restrained condition, prompting widespread outrage.
Justice Minister Lewandowski brought the matter to the attention of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Following the president’s intervention, the refugees were removed from the aircraft and transported with dignity to their respective states aboard Brazilian Air Force planes.
The United States and Brazil reportedly have a bilateral agreement dating back to 2017 that allows for such deportations. While this is not the first time Brazilian refugees have been returned under the agreement, the use of handcuffs has triggered significant backlash this time.
Brazil's political opposition has sharply criticized the incident, stating that refugees should never be treated like criminals. They called on US authorities to ensure humane treatment for deportees in the future.
The controversy has further strained the already complex relationship between the two nations, highlighting the importance of respecting human dignity in immigration enforcement.