Brazil Fast-Tracks Bill to Label Criminal Factions as Terrorists

Overview

• The Chamber is handling Projeto de Lei 1283 under urgency with Deputy Guilherme Derrite appointed as rapporteur and a plenary vote expected by November 15.
• The bill would classify factions and militias as terrorists when they use violent acts to retaliate public policies or assert parallel control, remove bail and temporary releases, and increase sentences by one third after conviction.
• Backers cite growing support among security agencies and prosecutors, pointing to recent high-profile violence to argue for tougher tools.
• Momentum intensified after an October 28 operation in Rio de Janeiro targeting the Comando Vermelho, which proponents say underscores the need for swift action.
• Scholars and legal analysts counter that groups like the Comando Vermelho lack a broad political program and warn that expanding the terrorism label could misapply legal frameworks and create policy and diplomatic risks.