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JOHN SHAFFER
Two hundred thirty-one Brazili-
ans lay dead, and 83 more were
hospitalized as the result of a dead-
ly fire that broke out in the Brazili-
an night club Kiss in the heart of
Santa Maria, Brazil. 2,000 people,
twice the club’s legally occupancy
crowded the dance floors to see the
band Gurizada Fandangueira play.
Pyrotechnics from the stage show
set fire to the clubs ceiling.. First, a
percussionist tried to throw water
on the blaze which had no effect.
Next, a security guard tried using a
fire extinguisher which failed to
function, and the fire grew out of
control.
The only exit to the dangerously
over-packed club was the front
door, which was located down a
thin and dark hallway. Upon realiz-
ing that the club was on fire, the
partygoers stampeded towards the
door, bottlenecking at the hallway
and trampling one another. Club
security initially stopped the ten-
ants, not realizing that the club was
in fact on fire. The roof of Kiss then
collapsed, trapping the remaining
concert attendees in-
side. Those on the
outside were able to hear the
chilling screams and pleas of those
who were trapped inside the infer-
no. Many charred bodies were
found in the bathrooms. People
were searching all areas of the club
for a second way out that was not
there. Brazil’s focus has since
turned from the sorrow and tragedy
of the event to calls for justice from
those who demand to know how
such an event could occur.
A local fire official told Brazilin
network Globotv that the club’s
permits had been expired for
months and that it was not fit to op-
erate. Officials have taken the
band’s singer, the show producer,
and the club’s two owners into cus-
tody. No formal charges have been
filed against the men yet.
and
FABULOUS FLORES
The fatal gang-rape of
a student on a New
Delhi bus, December
16, has sparked a mass
outcry for harsher pun-
ishments for rape
crimes. India, New
Delhi in particular, is
known for their lack of
safety for women and
is often referred to as
the “rape capital” of
India. The trial of the
five men, and suspect-
ed sixth, will set a
precedent for future
Sex crime cases.
Prompted by public
outcry has led India to
entertain the idea of
the death penalty for
rapists.
Not much can cur-
rently be reported on
the progress of the
case. As of January.
25, the second day of
the trial, Judge Yogesh
Khanna has barred
lawyers from speaking
to the press, stating “I
have already passed an
order, If you are not
happy with the order
you can challenge it in
the court." Most rape
cases in India are con-
cealed from the public
eye, the added legal
measure in this partic-
ular case prevents the
media from reporting
on court proceedings.
The family is seek-
ing immediate closure
wants the case handled
and settled swiftly.
Five men standing trial
face the charges of
murder, rape, robbery
and kidnapping, with
the expectation that
prosecutors will de-
mand the death penal-
ty. The sixth suspect
claims he is 17 and
therefore will appear
in juvenile court.
The brutality done
to one by many has led
to a tidal wave of pro-
test for women’s rights
in India.