Luta Livre in the Heart of the Favela

Summary

Away Days Podcast: Reporting from the Underbelly
Episode: "Luta Livre in the Heart of the Favela"
Host: Jake Hanrahan
Release Date: June 30, 2025

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Luta Livre in the Heart of the Favela," journalist Jake Hanrahan delves deep into the often overlooked narratives emerging from the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. Far from the sensationalized media portrayals, Jake aims to uncover the intricate dynamics between local communities, gangs, and cultural practices like Luta Livre—a Brazilian grappling art.

Community Outreach and the Gang’s Role

Jake begins his exploration by shifting focus from the notorious gang members dominating the favela to the civilians striving for normalcy amidst chaos. He interviews Carlos, a pivotal figure who highlights the dual nature of the CV gang's involvement in the community.

Carlos [04:30]: “The gym, while built by CV, provides something essential for the residents. Whether it's coercion or genuine assistance, the community benefits from at least having something offered in such deprived conditions.”

Carlos elaborates on the gym's significance, debating the gang's intentions but emphasizing that for residents struggling daily, the source of aid often becomes irrelevant. He draws attention to the harsh realities faced by the favela's inhabitants, where survival often means accepting any form of support, even if it comes from unconventional sources.

Luta Livre: Beyond a Martial Art

Transitioning to the heart of the episode, Jake introduces Diogo Alcantara, the dedicated coach behind the Luta Livre program at the gang-constructed sports hall.

Diogo Alcantara [05:58]: “As well as all the obvious open-air criminality, CV actually puts money back into the community. They built this sports hall.”

The gym itself is a stark contrast to Jake’s initial expectations. Far from a modest establishment, it boasts extensive facilities including basketball courts, a weights area, and specialized training zones for Luta Livre. Diogo's commitment is palpable as he welcomes young fighters and explains the essence of Luta Livre.

Jake provides a comprehensive history of Luta Livre, differentiating it from the more globally recognized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He traces its roots to mid-20th century Brazil, emphasizing its working-class origins and its evolution amidst socio-economic disparities.

Jake Hanrahan [07:02]: “Luta Livre literally means 'free fighting' in Portuguese. It developed in the poorer parts of Rio de Janeiro and remains a symbol of working-class counterculture.”

The episode delves into the historical rivalry between Luta Livre and BJJ, noting how class distinctions fostered intense competitions and even violent confrontations. This rivalry, Jake explains, mirrors broader societal tensions within Brazil, highlighting Issues of prestige, recognition, and accessibility in martial arts.

Gang Structure and Influence

As the narrative progresses, Jake shifts focus to the organizational structure of CV, providing listeners with an unflinching look into the gang's operations.

Jake Hanrahan [19:45]: “CV operates like a criminal corporation with a strict hierarchy, defined roles, and military-style discipline. This structure has enabled them to survive for over four decades, evolving into a dominant force in Brazil's underworld.”

The gang's hierarchy is meticulously detailed, from high-ranking leaders orchestrating operations from prison or hiding to mid-tier commanders managing specific territories. Sub-bosses like Player, whom Jake meets later in the episode, exemplify the decentralized yet tightly controlled nature of CV. Player's demeanor and interactions reveal the calculated and often ruthless methods the gang employs to maintain dominance.

Social and Political Context

A critical examination of the relationship between CV, the community, and the government forms a significant portion of the episode. Jake underscores the government's neglect, which has inadvertently empowered gangs like CV to assume quasi-governmental roles within the favelas.

Player [28:25]: “Our criminal code keeps people in order. We don't charge taxes or come to your doorstep for money. Each person is where they belong. The cops are a bunch of corrupt assholes.”

This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment with governmental institutions, positioning the gang as both oppressor and protector in the eyes of the residents. The episode highlights the cyclical nature of violence, where gangs and corrupt police forces perpetuate a state of constant conflict, further destabilizing the community.

Community Resilience and Hope

Amidst the grim portrayal of gang dominance and violence, figures like Diogo Alcantara emerge as beacons of hope. Through the Luta Livre program, Diogo provides an alternative path for the youth, steering them away from gang involvement and towards personal growth and discipline.

Diogo Alcantara [13:05]: “As well as all the obvious open air criminality, CV actually do put money back into the community. They built this sports hall.”

Jake reflects on the complexities of the favela, acknowledging the gray areas where survival intersects with community support. The gym, while funded by a gang, serves as a sanctuary for many, illustrating the layered realities of life in these marginalized areas.

Conclusion and Reflections

In concluding the episode, Jake juxtaposes the dark realities of gang life with the inspiring efforts of community leaders. He emphasizes that the favela is not a monolith but a tapestry of diverse experiences and struggles.

Jake Hanrahan [26:56]: “The favela is simply not black and white in any way, shape, or form. There are many diamonds in the dirt here.”

Looking ahead, Jake teases the next episode, which will feature an aspiring musician navigating life in the favela, further exploring the multifaceted nature of these communities.

Key Takeaways

• Luta Livre's Cultural Significance: Beyond a combat sport, Luta Livre embodies the resilience and defiance of Rio's working-class communities.

• Gang Dynamics: CV operates with a strict hierarchy and significant control, blurring the lines between criminal activity and community service.

• Government Neglect: The absence of effective governmental support has allowed gangs to fill the void, often leading to increased violence and instability.

• Community Resilience: Despite pervasive challenges, individuals like Diogo Alcantara demonstrate the potential for positive change through grassroots initiatives.

Notable Quotes

• Carlos [04:30]: “The residents of the favelas benefit when at least something is provided for them. At this stage, when the deprivation is so bad, the intention is largely irrelevant for the people.”

• Diogo Alcantara [13:05]: “We won the nationals and the International Cup. So the kids love; fighting is their life.”

• Player [28:25]: “Our criminal code keeps people in order. We don't charge taxes or come to your doorstep for money.”

Final Thoughts

Jake Hanrahan's "Luta Livre in the Heart of the Favela" offers a nuanced exploration of life within Rio's favelas, shedding light on the intertwined nature of culture, community, and conflict. Through firsthand accounts and in-depth analysis, the episode presents a balanced perspective, acknowledging both the struggles and the spirited resistance of its inhabitants.

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Stay Tuned:
Join us next week for another episode of the Away Days Podcast, where Jake will meet an aspiring musician striving to thrive amidst the challenges of favela life.

Watch Away Days Documentaries: youtube.com/@awaydaystv

Transcript

[Jake Hanrahan]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Unknown Host]

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[Unknown Narrator]

From iHeart podcast. Before social media, before cable news, there was Alan Berg.

[Unknown Commentator]

He was the first and the original shock chalk.

[Unknown Analyst]

That scratchy, irreverent kind of way of talking to people and telling them that you're an idiot and I'm gonna hang up on you.

[Unknown Narrator]

This is Live Wire, the loud life and shocking murder of Alan Berg.

[Unknown Historian]

And he pointed to the Denver phone book and said, well, there are probably 2 million suspects.

[Unknown Narrator]

Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, call Zone Media.

[Jake Hanrahan]

You're listening to the Away Days podcast. On the ground outside, reporting from the underbelly with me, Jake Hanrahan. To watch Away Days documentaries, go to YouTube.com/waydaystv. This is Part 2 Favela Government Episode 2 this podcast is a production of H11 Studio and Callzone Media. For the first few days in the favela, we've only really been around gang members. Obviously that's a huge focus of the project, but I want to see what civilians are doing as well. Specifically, if there are any community outreach programs that might help the people of the favela in their everyday lives. I speak to Carlos about this and he thinks for a moment. Then, as if a light bulb was flashed on in his head, he says, yes, the gym. While CV is a violent favela gang with international drugs networks set up across the world, it does actually do some community outreach outreach at home. Whether it's as a means to coerce the population of the areas they control or out of a genuine altruistic streak remains to be determined, but I don't think it really matters. The residents of the favelas benefit when at least something is provided for them. At this stage, when the deprivation is so bad, the intention is largely irrelevant for the people. Put yourself in their shoes. If you are struggling day to day to get by and the armed group running your area does something to help, you're probably not going to ask why or where it's coming from. As the saying goes, beggars can't be choosers. It's certainly not my place to cast any judgment on what civilians of the favela accept. They're stuck between a rock and a hard place. So the gym, what Carlos is talking about is a place reported to have been built entirely by Red Command. Well, the construction was funded by them, at least. In Fallout Fogartero, the gang is the only authority as a whole, the organization is believed to make hundreds of millions of dollars a year through their various criminal enterprises. Apparently, though, they've invested some of that money in the gym here. Of course, I'm a bit skeptical. I want to see this gym with my own eyes. So Carlos leads us up there. Gang members watch on as he does. After a few minutes stepping over short walls and walking up uneven steps, we emerge back at the intersection where the CV guys were dealing drugs out in the open. I'm confused. We've already been here and I don't see a gym anywhere. Carlos points towards one of the slopes leading out of the area to yet another collection of alleyways, Snickets and DIY roads. But I still don't see it. Where is the gym? Carlos points again to the huge building built out of solid concrete to the left. That is the gym. I was picturing some kind of small time spit and sawdust gym, a random corner somewhere. But this is a massive sports hall. It must have cost an absolute fortune to build.

[Diogo Alcantara]

As well as all the obvious open air criminality CV actually do put money back into the community. They actually built this sports hall. So we're going to go and speak to a guy who's putting on a wrestling class for the local kids here in the favela.

[Jake Hanrahan]

Inside the air is cool and the ceilings are high. The sound of happy children echo around the hall. There were basketball courts, a small weights gym and an area for kids to train in the grappling heavy combat sport Luta Livre. That's upstairs to the right. Young kids around 8 to 12 years old are flooding in. There's a class on soon. I make my way up the stairs to the Luta Livre area. The floors are padded with inch thick mats. On the walls there are shelves with several gold medals and championship cups. The smell of Thai oil and sweat is heavy in the air. A lean man in his 30s wearing a skin tight rash guard and wrestling shorts greets me warmly as the young fighters gather on the mats. This is Diogo Alcantara. He runs the Luta Livre club here in the gangbuilt favela sports hall. His fight team here is called Boa Safra team and they're very good at Luta Livre.

[Carlos]

Here we teach Luta Libre. It's a grappling style similar with Jiu Jitsu but without gi.

[Jake Hanrahan]

Lutolivre literally means free fighting in Portuguese. It's a lesser known but culturally deep combat sport that developed in Brazil in the mid 20th century. While often overshadowed by the more popular martial art, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or bjj, Luta Livre has its own unique history, specific techniques and subcultural following. The sport demonstrates a different style of hand to hand combat. Whilst Luta Lievre's roots are in catch wrestling, it's more a mix of that judo and its own effective customs. Differing from bjj, the submission in Luta Livre is always paramount. This wrestling style took a more defined shape in the 1940s and 1950s. Key figures in its development include Ulycedes Tatu Hatem, a Lebanese Brazilian catch wrestler. Often considered the father of Luta Livre. He was known for defeating numerous opponents from various styles, including Jiu Jitsu practitioners. He laid the groundwork for what would become a distinct Brazilian grappling art. What's more, Luta Livre is fought without a gi. The White jacket thing. Traditional Jiu jitsu fighters wear. This no GI format made it appealing for real world fighting scenarios and the early MMA style. Now, the philosophical elements of Luta Livre are specifically interesting, especially in regards to their early class connections. For example, in the early days, there was a divide when it came to BJJ and Luta Livre. BJJ was associated with upper class families, most notably the now famous Gracie family. BJJ academies were extensive, exclusive and located in athletic areas. In contrast, Luta Livre was born in the poorer parts of Rio de Janeiro, where here in Fallet Fogatero, for example, it still remains. Luta Livre began as a working class discipline. Its practitioners were often from humble backgrounds and the art itself carried a bit more weight on its shoulders. Luta Livre was for the street fighters. By the 1980s and 1990s, this class and cultural divide exploded into one of the most intense martial arts rivalries in Brazil. There were literal gang fights between teams from BJJ and Luther Livre gyms. Some of these brawls were organized challenges, arranged fights, and others were random battles spontaneously happening. When each side met the other gyms were stormed. Rival athletes would fight in car parks, beaches or at televised events. And at this time, the lines between the street and the gym were very much blurred. Luta Livre fighters felt disrespected and marginalized, not just by the BJJ elite, but by the media and wider martial arts community. BJJ had the prestige, the international recognition and a lot of financial backing. Luta Livre had the grit, the streets and the defiance. Sadly though, that's not enough. In the elitist world of big money combat sports promotions at the time, one of the most iconic flashpoints was a challenge match in the early 90s where Eugenio Tadu, a top Luther Li fighter, faced Waleed Ismail, a tough BJJ black belt. The match was televised nationally and it ended in chaos. Wyatt police had to intervene when the crowd went mental, turning very violent against each other. Another infamous Moment came in 1997 when Tadu fought Renzo Gracie in a bare knuckle fight that sparked a full scale riot among fans in Rio. To put it lightly, the rivalry was serious business in many ways, though I think it directly reflects the class issues of Brazil today. The rivalry wasn't just for show or probably promo either. They were bitter, real and deeply embedded in the social tension of the country. Luta Livre was seen as the fight of the favelas. BJJ was the martial art of the suburbs. Despite the talent and the toughness of many Looter Livre fighters, the style never really gained the same global traction as bjj. Part of this was due to marketing. BJJ had the Gracie family pushing it hard overseas, and particularly in the US where it exploded after Royce Gracie dominated early UFC events. At the same time, Lutolivre was lacking a unified voice or even charismatic promoters. And it never really broke through internationally. Another issue was accessibility. Many top Luta Livre coaches and gyms were based in impoverished areas like the favelas. They simply didn't have the same access or money to go and do international travel or media exposure. As BJJ grew into a massive global empire, with worldwide academies, big competitions and even celebrities endorsing it, Luta Libre became increasingly localized, still respected by hardcore fans, but fading from the spotlight as a whole. Today, Luta Libre is far from dead though. In Brazil, particularly here in Rio, you'll find dedicated gyms teaching this aggressive, no GI grappling sport, sport. Now, as I've just explained, Luta Libre has always been more than just a martial art. It's a symbol of the working class counterculture here in Brazil. It carries the legacy of Rio's poorer communities, the hardcore culture of street fighting, and the belief that you don't need money or prestige to be a good fighter. Follet Fogartero is of course a natural place for Luto Leverag. Despite the poverty and the minimal support, Diogo's Boa Safra team are one of the best in Brazil live. And direct from the favela right now.

[Carlos]

We won the nationals and the International Cup. So the kids love fight fight is their lives.

[Diogo Alcantara]

How did you get it started like here? Because this is obviously an area that a lot of people don't go to.

[Carlos]

I grew up here. I live here since all my life. So I know all the kids since day one. We start here because we kind of feel that we need to give the kids the opportunity to be someone we teach to. The kids have a bright future.

[Diogo Alcantara]

So what was it like growing up here?

[Carlos]

Very difficult, especially because of my. My background history. My father used to be a college. Yeah. You know, and he died when I was two. He got murdered and when I have a two years. So I grew up without a father. This was very complicated in favela and I was thinking in got revenge or bad feelings, you know. But when I make 18, I start to think, oh, I have to make a thing to the kids. Don't follow what the guy make with my father. So Two other families have a good future, a bright future.

[Diogo Alcantara]

Do you feel like there's maybe a bad rap? Like this area gets, like, a lot of bad press when it's maybe not warranted? Or do you think, like, it's. You know, it's understandable.

[Carlos]

It's complicated, right? Yeah, it's complicated because the government don't come to help. Don't have help here, here. So I. I'll do it for free. It's very complicated. But it's a life. You know, we live in a favela and.

[Diogo Alcantara]

And like, the gangs around here, they kind of cool with this. They like what you're doing?

[Carlos]

Yeah, yeah. A lot of members, they put the kids on to. To do because they could see that this is a opportunity to the kids get a right path, you know, so they love. They like that. They support.

[Diogo Alcantara]

You said the government is kind of like abandoned the area. Do they do anything here? Like, is any of this linked to the government?

[Carlos]

No.

[Diogo Alcantara]

No. No.

[Jake Hanrahan]

Wow. So who built this?

[Carlos]

The favela.

[Diogo Alcantara]

The favela building. Okay.

[Carlos]

You know, gang members.

[Jake Hanrahan]

That's.

[Diogo Alcantara]

That's interesting, though it's unusual.

[Carlos]

The time was incredible because it's how you see is huge places.

[Diogo Alcantara]

All right, man, I'll let you go on. Thank you so much.

[Carlos]

Thank you very much. I'll start right now.

[Diogo Alcantara]

I think it's amazing what you do, man.

[Carlos]

Thank you.

[Unknown Host]

Let's talk photos. Not just storing them, showcasing them. You've got images that matter. Whether you're a photographer, a business, updating your followers, or just someone who wants to share life's moments the right way. So why hand them over to big tech's one size fits all cloud? Big tech companies are the fast food of photo sharing. Quick, easy, but not exactly gourmet. And what about your data integrity? Jalbum.net is the photo sharing solution that puts you in control. Want to host images on your own server? You can want a layout that actually reflects your brand or style. Jalbum's customizability is unmatched. And if you're a business sharing regular photo updates with your audience, this tool was built with you in mind. But don't just take our word for it. Over 230 million web pages have been created with J Album, and it's got stellar reviews on Trustpilot to prove it. So head to J album.net to download your free software and try it out. When you're ready to upgrade, use the code podcast for 20% off your photos, your layout, your rules. Jalbum.net from iheart podcasts.

[Unknown Narrator]

Before social media, before the Internet, before cable news, there was Alan Berg.

[Alan Berg]

You dig what I do. You have a need. Unfortunately, you have no sense of humor. That's why you can't ever enjoy this show and that's why you're a loser.

[Unknown Commentator]

He was the first and the original shock jock.

[Unknown Analyst]

That scratchy, irreverent kind of way of talking to people.

[Alan Berg]

You're as dumb as the rest. That's. I can't take anyone. I don't agree with you all the time. I don't want you to. I hope that you pick me apart.

[Unknown Narrator]

His voice changed media. His death shocked the nation.

[Unknown Analyst]

And it makes me so angry that he got himself killed because he had a big mouth.

[Alan Berg]

KOA morning talk show host Alan Berg reportedly was shot and killed tonight in downtown Denver.

[Unknown Historian]

He pointed to the Denver phone book and said, well, There are probably 2 million suspects. This guy aggravated everybody.

[Unknown Narrator]

From iheart podcasts, this is Live Wire, the loud life and shocking murder of Alan Berg. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Jake Hanrahan]

Diogo is a true diamond in the dirt. His father was killed by the gang and yet he works with them. So the youth of the favela can have a better life for themselves. As is with any extreme situation. There are many different shades of grey here. Surviving in the favela is not so simple. This gym is a great refuge for the kids of Follette Fogartero. But the coach is fighting an uphill battle. Street violence is out of control. Young men are still getting caught up in the gangs, often joining when they're just children. In recent years, CV has ramped up operations. The gang has ambushed police stations, shot up banks, launched deadly prison riots, extended their drugs network and executed people. CV now controls the majority of gang municipalities across Rio. The bloodshed is non stop. There were over three and a half thousand murders in this state last year. That's almost 300 killings a month. This doesn't happen in a vacuum. The police and their so called militias play a big role in the violence. The militias are criminal squads formed mostly of rogue police. They shoot their way into favelas, extort the residents and set up protection rackets. Brazil's military police are also involved. Specifically bope, a notorious shoot to kill tactical unit in Rio. In 2019 they executed 13 men here in Falep Fogartero. The victims were shot after surrendering. They were unarmed, restrained and yet still got a bullet in the head. All of the cops involved were cleared of any wrongdoing we get word that one of the higher up CV members might be willing to speak to us. So far it's been mostly foot soldiers and mid level street bosses. The higher ups are no doubt here, there and everywhere watching on. But they're not stepping out to talk to us. Not yet. Much like a rebel group or militia detachment, CV as a criminal gang has a strict hierarchical structure. At the top is the general leadership. This is composed of high ranking members who are either running things directly from prison or whilst on the run in hiding, often stowed away in the depths of the favelas. For the top members of cv, being sent to prison by no means stops. The operations leaders continue to run things via smuggled mobile phones or corrupt prison staff, both of which are in abundance in Brazil. These top level figures coordinate alliances, resolve disputes, handle external communications and manage the organization's functions. Financial GAME PLAN Beneath the top leaders are what's called the fronts. These are mid tier commanders responsible for managing a specific territory, either a whole favela or a cluster of communities within one. A front oversees drug operations, local enforcement and strategic decisions in their zone of control. It's a cell system that filters upwards. The fronts maintain punishments, collect profits and enforce loyalty to the wider CV command. Each front has what you could call sub bosses who handle daily operations. These include supervising lookouts, coordinating drug runners and overseeing the soldados, the gang's armed foot soldiers. These sub bosses act as a go between for the street level operatives and the upper leadership. The lad we mentioned in episode one, Fat Sexy, is one of such sub bosses as a whole. CV operates as a system like a decentralized franchise. While everyone involved is united by allegiance to CV and their shared criminal code, each front has relative autonomy in managing its local operations. This model allows flexibility and means that if one cell is wiped out, out either through death or arrest, it doesn't really affect the full structure of the gang. These networks keep it all moving and are very important as drug trafficking is the lifeblood of cv. Territories are fiercely defended to protect sales points which generate consistent revenue for the gang. Arms trafficking, extortion and robbery supplement their income. The drugstore is their bread and butter. Internal discipline in CV is enforced through a code known as the Estatuto, the crime, literally a crime statute. This is a kind of gangster charter. It includes rules on respecting allies, not stealing within the network, and severe punishments for those who go against this, either through betrayal or insubordination. The punishment, more often than not is death. CV regularly executes their members who don't Toe the line. The idea is that the crime statute enforces CV rule within their network and prevents fragmentation in what is a highly complicated cell structure of gang members all across Brazil. Initiation into CV can involve a baptism of violence. You can't be a member of this gang if you're not ready to kill anyone at any time anywhere. Loyalty is prized above all else. Desertion is rare. Members are expected to obey orders without question and contribute financially. CV also communicates their power across all the areas they control. Whether you're a boss man of a front or a young runner transporting drugs around the facility, Novella, you'll always know exactly who's in control. CV graffiti marks their territory on every wall. I don't think I've turned a single corner here in Falip Fogartero without seeing the red CV emblazoned on the wall somewhere. What's more, here there are very few tags of other gangs sprayed over. This indicates that CVs nearby rivals have almost never invaded and captured this favela. Because when they do, they spray up their own gang tags. CV has fallout. Fogartero on lock Inside and outside prison CV moves with the same strategy of communications. In the prison, they have what's called disaplinas, inmate representatives who are responsible for enforcing gang rules and handling internal disputes. These figures often act as liaisons between operatives who are outside and free and CVs jailed leadership. Overall, CV functions like a criminal corporation with a strict hierarchy, defined roles and military style discipline. Within their more active ranks, the gang has an ability to adapt and maintain unity despite regular police crackdowns and bloody internal disputes. This has allowed CB to survive for over four for decades, evolving into a dominant force in Brazil's underworld. Naturally, I want to meet one of the guys who's moving in the higher up echelons of the gang. Turns out, after a few days in the favela, where we've been watched and sussed out from a distance, a CB sub boss has agreed to meet me.

[Unknown Narrator]

From iheart podcasts. Before social media, before the Internet, before cable news, there was Alan Berg.

[Alan Berg]

You dig what I do. You have a need. Unfortunately, you have no sense of humor. That's why you can't ever enjoy this show. And that's why you're a loser.

[Unknown Commentator]

He was the first and the original shock jock.

[Unknown Analyst]

That scratchy, irreverent kind of way of talking to people.

[Alan Berg]

You're as dumb as the rest. That's. I can't take anyone. I don't agree with you all the time. I don't want you to I I hope that you pick me apart.

[Unknown Narrator]

His voice changed media. His death shocked the nation and it.

[Unknown Analyst]

Makes me so angry that he got himself killed because he had a big mouth.

[Alan Berg]

KOA Morning talk show host Alan Berg reportedly was shot and killed tonight in downtown Denver.

[Unknown Historian]

He pointed to the Denver phone book and said, well, There are probably 2 million suspects. This guy aggravated everybody from iheart podcasts.

[Unknown Narrator]

This is Life, Live Wire, the loud life and shocking murder of Alan Berg. Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcast.

[Jake Hanrahan]

We head down to an open intersection with an intense cobweb of knotted up phone lines above our heads in every direction. A health and safety officer would have an absolute heart attack in this place. Place we don't have to wait long when the CB higher up arrives. Apparently he goes by the name Player and he wears a balaclava and a zip up coat. He's short but noticeably stocky, much like the other front sub boss we saw earlier. He's clearly eating a lot better than your average foot soldier or drug runner. What's interesting is that Player is visibly unarmed. No one else in CV that we've met so far has moved more than a few feet with their gun either nearby or slung over their shoulder. If I had to guess, this guy is so confident in his role in the gang that he doesn't need to carry his own sidearm for such events as meeting a reporter from the uk. Why would he? Everyone around him is basically his protector. Player waves us over and we walk to the end of a long ledge where you can see the whole built up view valley of the rival controlled favela nearby. Player has a noticeable gravitas to him. He walks slowly and purposely. He thinks before he speaks and he looks at me with complete uninterest. He points out to the rival favela. He looks intensely and begins to explain the never ending battle CV has with their enemies.

[Unknown Commentator]

Every time we go over there we kill. There are enemies. There's no other way. It's an urban war. One side attacks, one side kills. It's a war that's going to last until the end of the world.

[Diogo Alcantara]

Do you guys feel like maybe like CV is like the government of this favela? Like.

[Unknown Commentator]

No doubt, no doubt. CV law works in this case to implement rules, not to take your rights away. That's how it is. Each person in their own place.

[Diogo Alcantara]

The government say this place is like this because of you guys, because CV are here. That's why there's chaos. That's why there's, you know, drugs and shooting and stuff like that. They say it's your fault. What do you think about that?

[Unknown Commentator]

They're totally wrong. Our criminal code keeps people in order. We don't charge taxes or come to your doorstep for money. Each person is where they belong. The cops are a bunch of corrupt assholes. We have a saying here in Brazil and it's a fact, a well known fact. Those in power don't want the war to end because more war means more profit.

[Diogo Alcantara]

So obviously you're at war with the police. You fight with the police. We've already seen. But do you actually like, you know, pay off the police? Do you ever have any interactions with them like that?

[Unknown Commentator]

In a way, yes, because what helps us, helps everybody. We've made deals with cops, which reduces their mistreatment of the residents here. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, you know.

[Diogo Alcantara]

Here is very different to in the city. Do you feel part of Brazil here? Do you actually feel part of this country or separate?

[Unknown Commentator]

I am Brazilian. We defend our homeland. In a way, it's the state that's genocidal. They want to exclude the poor people and the black people, but with hustle and determination. It's CV who helps these people. The government abandoned us. They left it for God to decide. So CV took control. The difference between CV and other gangs is that everybody is grounded and equal.

[Jake Hanrahan]

After this is translated to me, I can't help but show my skepticism. Problem with me my whole life is that I'm somehow incapable of. Of hiding my emotions in my face. It just covers my whole face like a mask, instantly. As you can imagine, I've done my research and I don't believe that CV is quite as fair as Player is saying they are. He clocks my face and just looks me dead in the eye. He holds the gaze for about 30 seconds without blinking. His eyes are completely black, just no color. Two huge pupils. I get the feeling I best lose the skepticism from my face as soon as possible. I look away, off into the distance, and I think about what Player was saying whilst he's of course doing up PR for his own gang, something he's been around since he was a child. He's actually got some very good points. The government has totally abandoned them here in the favela. This has been going on for a very long time and not one single government entity here has. Has made a considerable difference to the lives of the people in the communities of the favelas. The government blames it all entirely on the gangs. But the gang didn't evolve into what they are today for no reason. I look around and I see the foot soldiers up the road, all of them with semi automatic rifles dangling from their skinny bodies. Then Player reaches his hand out to me. I look up and he nods. We shake, we embrace. It's all good. He knows his role, I know mine. In this day in the favela we met two different kinds of leaders. Player being the head of a considerable higher up position in the CV criminal hierarchy here in Falat, Fogotero and also Diogo at the gym. Diogo is a saving grace in a place like this. God knows how many children he saved from the gang life by simply being a positive role model and a tough leader in their equal and fair Luta Livre community. There are many diamonds in the dirt in a place like this. The favela is simply not black and white in any way, shape or form. Next episode we'll be meeting an aspiring musician that's managed to keep himself out of harm's way in the favela despite living amongst the gang and even having friends that were executed by the police. He himself though is completely unaffiliated. It is possible Been listening to the Away Days Podcast next week, Part two, Episode two to watch independent Away Days documentaries, subscribe to Our [e-mail] waydaystv ydays podcast is a production of H11 Studio for Coolzone Media. Reporting, producing, writing, editing and research by me, Jake Hanrahan, co producing by Sophie Lichterman, music by Sam Black and in this episode, Diamondstein Sound mix by Splicing Block Photography by Johnny Pickup and Louis Hollis Graphic design by Laura Adamson and Casey Highfield.

[Unknown Narrator]

From iHeart podcast. Before social media, before cable news, there was Alan Berg.

[Unknown Commentator]

He was the first and the original Shock Chuck.

[Unknown Analyst]

That scratchy, irreverent kind of way of talking to people and telling them that you're an idiot. And I'm going to hang up on.

[Unknown Narrator]

This is Live Wire, the loud life and shocking murder of Alan Berg.

[Unknown Historian]

And he pointed to the Denver phone book and said, well, there are probably 2 million suspects.

[Unknown Narrator]

Listen on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Jake Hanrahan]

This is an iHeart podcast.