Lula resumes project that increases penalty for crime against democracy 6 months after coup acts – 07/21/2023 – Politics

Almost six months after announcing the democracy package, the Lula government (PT) will send two bills to the National Congress with measures in response to the coup attacks on January 8: the increase in penalties for crimes against the Democratic State of Law and the seizure of assets and the blocking of bank accounts.

The two proposals are being announced at a public security ceremony at the Planalto Palace, where the Chief Executive will sign decrees and the Ministry of Justice will present measures on the subject. Among them, the new decree on weapons, which ends with the flexibility of previous regulations.

The full texts have not yet been released, but the folder released a summary of the acts.

The bill announced this Friday increases penalties for crimes committed against the democratic rule of law. It foresees from 6 to 12 years of imprisonment for those who organize or lead anti-democratic movements, and from 8 to 20, for those who finance them.

The penalty will be from 20 to 40 years for crimes that threaten the lives of the presidents of the three powers, the vice president of the Republic, ministers of the STF and the attorney general of the Republic. The text also provides for 6 to 12 years for anyone who violates the physical integrity and freedom of these authorities.

If the crime is committed by a public official, the law determines automatic loss of office. In the case of individuals, it is prohibited to contract with the government and obtain any type of benefit or tax incentive.

On another front, the government also presented a bill that authorizes the seizure of assets and the blocking of bank accounts and financial assets in crimes against the democratic rule of law.

According to the ministry, the proposal determines that the judge may do so, ex officio, or at the request of the Public Prosecution Service, in cases of damage to its assets, or upon representation of the police authority.

“With the Bill, it is expected to strengthen the legal instruments available for action on damages arising from crimes against national sovereignty, against democratic institutions, against the functioning of democratic institutions in the electoral process and against the functioning of essential services”, says an excerpt from the document released by Justice.