Brazil, Senate unanimously approves security reform

The Brazilian Senate has definitively approved, with 75 votes in favor and none against, the proposed constitutional amendment (PEC) on public security presented by the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. At first reading it obtained 73 votes in favour. The Brazilian media reported it.

The reform toughens penalties for members of criminal factions, paramilitary organizations and militias, also providing for detention in maximum security prisons. It expands the investigative powers of the Federal Police against criminal organizations active in several states or internationally and the competences of the Federal Traffic Police to include railways and waterways. The text strengthens coordination between the Union, States and Municipalities, inserts the Single Public Security System (SUSP) into the Constitution, authorizes the creation of municipal police forces and provides new resources for the sector.

The proposal to reduce the penal age of majority from 18 to 16 has been removed and will be examined separately. The PEC now passes to the promulgation of the National Congress, without the need for presidential sanction.