Brazil Pushes Antifaction Law After Rio Raids Reveal Drones and Heavy Weapons

Overview

• A megaoperation in Rio's Alemão and Penha complexes targeting the Comando Vermelho seized nearly 100 rifles and documented the use of drones to drop explosives on police.
• A Quaest poll reported by O Globo shows 64% approval for the incursion and 85% support for tougher penalties for homicides committed by faction members.
• The Planalto has sent Congress an antifaction bill that creates a new offense of a 'qualified criminal faction' carrying eight to 15 years in prison, rising to 30 years in homicide cases.
• The bill permits court-authorized monitoring of prison conversations and establishes a national database on criminal factions to support investigations.
• Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski advocates unifying intelligence and coordinated multi-level operations, while commentators warn against labeling crime as terrorism and urge sustained state services plus financial asphyxiation after territory is retaken.