Brasilia, January 7 (RHC)-- Violent attacks continue in Brazil's northeastern city of Fortaleza, with gangs attacking banks, small businesses and transportation.  Reports from the coastal state say troops have been deployed by Brazil’s federal justice and Public Security Ministry, currently led by Sergio Moro. 

Last week, a wave of violent attacks carried out by gangs rocked several cities in Fortaleza.  Recent reports include cars and buses being torched, gas stations being robbed, and confrontations between police and attackers in at least six other cities, killing two gang members. 

More than 100 people have been arrested since last Wednesday when the violence first broke out.  Authorities believe the wave of attacks is a response by organized crime groups who want to contest government plans to enforce tighter controls in State’s prisons, according to AFP. 

Brazil’s Minister of Justice Sergio Moro, catering to President Jair Bolsonaro, is in support of relaxing legislation surrounding weapons possession.  Despite some preliminary reservations, Moro has rallied behind a number of Bolsonaro’s proposals, including lowering the age of criminal accountability to 18. 

Moro’s appointment has been mired in controversy under suspicions that he would have violated the Magistracy Ethics Code by "initiating negotiations to exercise another public office even during the exercise of the position of magistrate." 

The neo-liberal, racist, homophobic, and misogynistic former army captain scored the Brazilian presidency after winning the October presidential elections with 56 percent of the vote.