Sao Paulo - Nutty Law for Father's Day

You're going to love this one. It Sao Paulo, Brazil, there is a law that allows petty criminals to be relased from jail on Father's Day. The day was this past Sunday. They are supposed to turn themselves back in, which most of them do believe it or not. There were only 10% of those who didn't return last year, but those who don't return still wreak havoc according to the people that live here. On Mother's day, they were shooting at police, robbing businesses, etc.

Backstage at the Cirque du Soleil site, there was a warning posted that suggested we don't go out that night and not use public transportation. The people that live here think it's a whacky law, but "it's the Brazilian way" they say.

Below is a post from the U.S. Embassy Website:

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Warden Message: August 12-14

U.S. Embassy Brasilia, Brazil

August 09, 2006

This coming weekend, August 12-14, prisoners are expected to be released from jail in observation of Brazilian Father's Day. A similar furlough occurred over Mother’s Day weekend in May resulted in widespread violence throughout the State of São Paulo, disrupting public transportation and physically damaging many banks and businesses. There is no indication at this time that violence of this magnitude will occur again this weekend or, if it does, that it will spread beyond Sao Paulo. The potential for violence does exist, however. We advise American citizens to check news reports and take normal precautions to protect themselves against crime.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov/ where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration website at https://travelregistration.state.gov/.

In case of an emergency, please contact the Consular Section of the Embassy in Brasilia at Avenida das Nações, Lote 3, telephone 55 (61) 3312-7000, after-hours telephone 55 (61) 3312-7400.