Published this Thursday (30) in the Official Gazette of the Union, Law 15.245 strengthens the fight against organized crime. Sanctioned by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, the legislation amends the Penal Code (2.848/1940) by typifying new types of crimes and increasing protection for public agents.
According to the text, hiring a member of a criminal association to commit a crime now carries a prison sentence of 1 to 3 years, which must be added to the penalty for the crime committed.
The Organized Crime Law (12.850/2013) was also amended and now typifies the crimes of obstruction of actions against organized crime and conspiracy to obstruct actions against organized crime, both punishable by prison sentences of four to 12 years.
In both cases, even before trial, the provisional arrest of the investigated individual must be served in a federal maximum security penitentiary, the text of the new law highlights.
In addition to these changes, Law No. 12.694 was amended to provide personal protection initiatives for judicial authorities, members of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, police officers, and other public security professionals, whether active or retired. The measure will be guaranteed to professionals at risk due to the exercise of their duties and extends to family members.
Operation Containment
The Penal Code amendment was announced following Operation Containment, an action by the Civil and Military Police of Rio de Janeiro to combat Comando Vermelho in the Alemão and Penha complexes, which left more than 120 dead.
The operation is considered the deadliest in the country’s history and exposed the challenges in combating organized crime. In retaliation to the police action, criminals linked to Comando Vermelho blocked streets at various points in the city with vehicles placed across them and barricades, launched explosives from drones, and directly impacted the lives of Rio residents.
Emergency Office
Another announcement in the political sphere after the disastrous operation in the Fluminense capital was the creation of an emergency office to tackle organized crime in the state.
According to the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Ricardo Lewandowski, and the Governor of Rio de Janeiro, Claudio Castro, the goal is to improve integration between the federal and state levels.
Coordination will be shared between the National Secretary for Public Security, Mario Sarrubbo, and the Rio Public Security Secretary, Victor Santos.
Source: Agência Brasil