Suspect of attack on Candomblé terreiro in Salvador is arrested

She is suspected of the attack on the Candomblé terreiro Nzo Mutá Lombô ye Kayongo Toma Kwiza, recorded in January this year. At the time, the walls and gate of the religious temple were spray-painted with the words "murderers" and "Jesus".

The Civil Police did not disclose the name of the suspect, nor those responsible for her defense.

According to the police, the analysis of video surveillance images and the collection of evidence allowed the identification of the suspect and supported the request for preventive detention (without a deadline), in addition to a search and seizure warrant.

Two cell phones, diaries and a notebook were seized. The items will be subjected to analysis and will contribute to further investigations.

The investigations were conducted by the Specialized Police Station for Combating Racism and Religious Intolerance of Salvador.

The Nzo Mutá Lombô ye Kayongo Toma Kwiza terreiro has been operating for 33 years in the Cajazeiras XI neighborhood, on the outskirts of Salvador, and is led by the babalorixá Pai Mutá.

The attack on the terreiro occurred close to the National Day to Combat Religious Intolerance, celebrated on January 21st. At the time, civil society entities condemned the attacks.

The Makota Valdina National Front classified the episode as an act of religious racism, representing a direct attack on freedom of belief, the constitutional right to worship and the dignity of African-based religions.

The Palmares Cultural Foundation, linked to the Ministry of Culture, released a statement condemning the attack, classifying the episode as a serious violation of religious freedom.

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