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Brazil Rejects Terrorism Label for Criminal Factions as Congress Weighs Redefinition Bill

Gleisi Hoffmann warns the proposed reclassification could open the door to foreign intervention under international law.

Overview

  • The government said it is categorically against PL 1,283/2025, which would classify domestic criminal factions as terrorist groups.
  • Officials argue terrorism implies political or ideological aims and that the label could be used to justify external interference in Brazil.
  • The administration backs its own measures instead, highlighting urgent PL 5,582/2025 to toughen penalties on organized crime and a Public Security PEC designed to enable integrated operations that has sat in the Chamber for months.
  • In the Chamber’s CCJ, consideration of PL 1,283/2025 was postponed, though rapporteur Nikolas Ferreira issued a favorable opinion and proposed removing an intent requirement while the text expands terrorism to cover attacks on ports, hospitals, schools, and cyber means.
  • Hoffmann said security legislation will become the government’s priority after the Senate votes on an income tax exemption, as debate intensified following a Rio operation that left 121 dead, including at least four police officers.