STJ rules against statute of limitations for 2006 São Paulo crimes

The Superior Tribunal de Justiça (STJ) has ruled that the statute of limitations does not apply to compensation claims related to the ‘Crimes de Maio’ (May Crimes) that occurred in São Paulo in 2006. The decision by the Court's First Section allows for the continued analysis of reparation requests from victims and their families.

The 2006 events involved violent clashes between the PCC criminal faction and police forces, resulting in 564 deaths, 110 injuries, and at least four forced disappearances. Investigations indicated that state agents carried out summary executions against civilians, primarily young Black residents of peripheral neighborhoods.

Relator Teodoro Silva Santos stated in his vote that these incidents constitute “grave violations of human rights,” which prevents the application of the five-year prescription period. The ruling emphasized that allowing the statute of limitations to expire would perpetuate impunity and violate international commitments, such as the American Convention on Human Rights.