Benedito Mariano, a sociologist and former coordinator of Lula's security plan, argues that the recently approved antifaction legislation will exacerbate violence in Brazilian peripheries and undermine efforts to combat organized crime.
Benedito Mariano, who coordinated the security program for President Lula in 2022, expresses strong concerns about the new antifaction bill that was passed by Congress. He claims that the bill, which introduces new crime classifications such as 'structured social dominance' and 'ultraviolent criminal organizations,' will create loopholes that could lead to increased violence in marginalized neighborhoods. Mariano highlights that the modifications made by the committee undermine the original intent of the government’s proposal and pave the way for more perilous situations in these areas.
In his critique, Mariano also addresses the issue of taxation on betting companies, which was omitted from the bill. He notes that a proposed 15% tax could have generated around 30 billion reais to support efforts against organized crime, a significant financial boon that was overlooked. This omission could further weaken state resources available to fight organized crime and protect vulnerable populations, particularly in urban peripheries where such violence is most pronounced.
Mariano's analysis underscores the detrimental implications of the bill beyond its immediate legislative context. He points out that the redistribution of resources from police investigations to state security funds may result in less funding for the fight against criminal organizations. Furthermore, he criticizes the constitutional implications of prohibiting provisional prisoners from voting, positing that such actions subvert democratic principles. Overall, Mariano’s insights paint a worrying picture for Brazil's approach to crime and public safety and highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy that addresses the complexities of violence in urban areas.
