Brazil’s Senate has given final approval to a government-backed constitutional amendment on public security, voting 75–0. The proposal, presented by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s government, had received 73 votes in its first round of voting.
The reform increases penalties for members of criminal factions, paramilitary organizations and militias, and allows them to be held in maximum-security prisons. It also expands Federal Police investigative powers over criminal organizations operating across multiple states or internationally. The Federal Highway Police’s remit would extend to railways and waterways.
The amendment strengthens coordination among the federal government, states and municipalities, adds the Unified Public Security System (Susp) to the Constitution, authorizes the creation of municipal police forces and provides for new resources for the sector.
A proposal to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16 was removed from the measure and will be considered separately. The amendment now proceeds to promulgation by the National Congress and does not require presidential approval.
Sources: ANSA Mondo.