MPF asks Manaus and Amazonas to pay R$4 billion due to lack of oxygen during the covid-19 pandemicInstagram Playback
Published 04/17/2024 22:59
The Federal Public Ministry (MPF) and the Public Defender’s Office of Amazonas filed, in the Federal Court, a request to condemn the Union, the government of Amazonas and the city of Manaus for the lack of oxygen in the city in 2021, when an increase in cases of covid-19. The action attributes responsibility for the “humanitarian crisis” to the federal, state and municipal governments and asks for compensation reaching R$4 billion.
The bodies claim that the shortage of supplies in health units, causing the death of dozens of patients infected by the virus, represents a humanitarian tragedy. They also argue that the Union, State and municipality failed to adopt strategies to combat the coronavirus pandemic. On January 14th of that year alone, 60 people died of asphyxiation due to lack of oxygen, according to estimates from the Amazonas Doctors Union.
When contacted by Estadão, União and the city of Manaus, they said that they have not yet been notified about the legal action and will comment on the case, within the procedural deadline, when requested. The state government of Amazonas has not yet commented on the accusations.
The lawsuit filed requires the payment of R$1.6 billion for individual damages caused to the victims, such as violations of the rights to life and health, and a further R$2.4 billion for collective social and moral damages. Recognition of responsibility for the crisis and a public apology to the deceased and their families are also requested.
Under the argument that after three years the exact number of victims is still unknown, the bodies demand the provision of data on deaths recorded in the period. Furthermore, they emphasize that Covid’s CPI revealed a series of omissions by public authorities that resulted in the crisis. Among them is the decision by then president Jair Bolsonaro (PL) not to approve a request for intervention in public health in Amazonas in January, as stated in testimony by former Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello.
The process has, in addition to the compensatory nature, the objective of honoring the victims and building a collective memory about the crisis in Manaus. Therefore, the MPF and the Public Defender’s Office request that a physical memorial be built in honor of the dead and that family members take legal action so that measures can be adopted to deal with human rights violations.
