Senate Approves Bill to Punish Abuse of Authority in Brazil

04/27/2017 - 11h23

On Wednesday, April 26, with 54 votes in favor and 19 against, the Brazilian Senate approved the bill that tightens punishment for abuse of authority by public agents, including judges, prosecutors and police officers. The project now will be sent to the Lower House.

The bill's rapporteur, Roberto Requião (PMDB-PR), changed parts of the projects which had been criticized by members of the Judiciary branch and of the Public Prosecutor's Office - they said those parts were a form of revenge against judges and investigators, especially of the Lava Jato operation.

Judge Sergio Moro praised the new version.

Also on Wednesday, the Senate reacted against the Supreme Court's decision to discuss changes in the issue of privilege of venue.

The Senate moved up the voting on the bill that ends the right of nearly every public authority in the cases of common crimes.

The proposal was approved in the first round with 75 votes in favor and zero against and is likely to be voted again in May. If it receives the senators' approval, it will be voted by the Lower House.

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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