Police investigate attack on elderly left-wing activist in RJ

The Rio de Janeiro Civil Police is investigating the politically motivated aggression against the elderly Mauro Figueiredo Rocha, 69, victim of an attack in Copacabana, in the south zone of the capital of Rio de Janeiro, last Thursday (11).

The case was registered at the 14th DP (Leblon) and later transferred to the 12th DP (Copacabana), responsible for continuing the investigations. The victim was taken to the Medical-Legal Institute (IML) for a forensic examination. Investigations are underway to clarify the facts.

According to a publication by the PT (Workers' Party) on social media, Rocha was allegedly attacked for carrying a sticker of federal deputy Benedita da Silva (PT). Still according to the party, he was attacked, threatened and raped because of his political convictions. In addition, he suffered death threats and political and religious offenses.

"Political violence is an attack not only on the victim, but on democracy itself. No divergence of ideas can justify acts of intolerance, persecution or aggression. Brazil needs to strengthen the culture of dialogue, respect and democratic coexistence, never violence and hatred", stated the PT's page in the Chamber.

The party also demanded justice and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. Federal deputy Benedita da Silva (PT) spoke out on social media about the case and showed solidarity with Mauro.

"Total solidarity with our comrade Mauro Figueiredo Rocha, from Rio's PT, attacked in Copacabana for using our stickers, amid shouts of 'Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro'. This is political hatred and cowardice", wrote the deputy.

Benedita also stated that the attack represents an affront to democracy.

Full solidarity with our comrade Mauro Figueiredo Rocha, from PT Carioca, attacked in Copacabana for using our stickers, amid shouts of "Bolsonaro, Bolsonaro". This is political hatred and cowardice. Thank you, @lindberghfarias for the legal support in the face of such violence!

- Benedita da Silva (@dasilvabenedita) June 13, 2026

"Being attacked for wearing a party sticker and defending your ideas is a direct attack on democracy and the right of each person to express themselves freely," he said.

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Another federal deputy, Reimont (PT), recorded on social media the situation in which Mauro was left after the attack and also asked for justice. According to the parliamentarian, the activist was attacked by three people in an action that he classified as "cowardly".

"It messed with one of us, it messed with all of us", he said.

*Under the supervision of Thiago Félix

Source: CNN