Politics Morning Star
Brazilian senate approves legislation in fight against criminal gangs
BRAZIL’S Senate approved legislation today that strengthens the government’s power to fight criminal gangs, in another win for re-elected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has touted the change
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BRAZIL’S Senate approved legislation today that strengthens the government’s power to fight criminal gangs, in another win for re-elected President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who has touted the changes as key to tackle one of his nation’s biggest problems.
The constitutional amendment, which will be sanctioned later this week, creates a public security ministry, changes the co-ordination of Brazil’s security agencies, and allocates more resources to fight Sao Paulo-based gang First Command of the Capital (PCC) and Rio de Janeiro’s Red Command (CV).
The amendment, which was approved by Brazil’s lower house in March, passed in two rounds of voting with no opposition.
Stricter penalties for gang leaders and members would include mandatory imprisonment in a maximum-security prison, curbs on parole and asset seizures.
Crime was a key issue in the presidential election last month. Drug-trafficking gangs have expanded their presence in recent years and now control large swathes of the Amazon rainforest, while paramilitary-type militias have entrenched their power in Rio and other states.
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