Thousands honor Brazilian electrician killed in London subway

Published: 2005-08-01

SAO PAULO, Brazil (CNS) -- Some 10,000 people paid their respects to Brazilian electrician Jean-Charles de Menezes, killed on a London subway because police thought he was a terrorist. Bishop Werner Siebenbrock of Governador Valadares celebrated the funeral Mass July 29 in the town of Gonzaga, population 6,000. Loudspeakers were placed in the plaza outside the church so people could participate. Police shot Menezes eight times July 22 after police suspected him of being a suicide bomber involved in the July 7 terrorist attacks in London. The British government has cleared Menezes of charges, apologized for its mistake and is negotiating with the family for compensation. Menezes' body arrived from London July 28 and was transported from Sao Paulo to Governador Valadares on a Brazilian Air Force carrier. In Governador Valadares, the coffin was put on a firetruck and slowly made its way to Gonzaga, 125 miles away. More than 40 automobiles, all displaying black ribbons, followed the firetruck.

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