Public security minister: Human rights to be respected in fight against crime
Public Security minister Raul Jungmann with president Michel Temer.
On Tuesday (Feb. 27), when Raul Jungmann was sworn in as the head of the recently created Extraordinary Ministry of Public Security, the new minister said that efforts will be made to “fight crime bitterly” without violating democracy and human rights.
The work coordinated by the ministry is also reported to include the recognition of security professionals. Jungmann went on to say that the government is expanding its role in the country's security, mostly assigned by the Constitution to state and local authorities.
“There are those who fight crime through barbarism, by distancing themselves from the law and disregarding it. Neither the state nor society can be brought on the same level with organized crime. We need to fight it in compliance with the law and by preserving rights,” he declared.
In his inauguration speech, Jungmann mentioned data on violence and overpopulation in Brazil's jail system. “The major gangs assailing us,” he said, "were formed in prison". He also advocated the “maximum presence of the state” in the penitentiary system.
To take the reins of the new ministry, Jungmann left his post as defense minister. His place was occupied by retired General Joaquim Silva e Luna, formerly secretary-general of the ministry. This is the first time the Ministry of Defense is headed by a military man in 19 years.
New ministry
The creation of the Ministry of Public Security raises the number of ministries in Brazil to 29. The new ministry will be made up of a Federal Police department, a Federal Highway Police department, a National Penitentiary department, a National Public Security Council, a National Criminal and Penitentiary Policy Council, and a National Public Security Secretariat. Funding is to be brought it from the Ministry of Justice.
The new ministry will also be in charge of the patrolling of federal highways and the policy for the organization and maintenance of the Civil Police, the Military Police, and the Military Fire Department of the Federal District.
Translated by Fabrício Ferreira
Fonte: Public security minister: Human rights to be respected in fight against crime
