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Brazil: Son of Renan Calheiros Accused of Using Public Money to Pay Attorneys

On February 6, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Renan Filho (PMDB-AL), federal deputy and son of newly elected President of the Federal Senate Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL), used public money to pay lawyers who represented him and his father in private matters. This money came from allowances that federal deputies and senators receive to travel and stay when outside of Brasília and their districts. Renan Filho responded to the allegations, saying that the services were related to his own business in the government. The law firm in question, Omena Barretos Advogados Associados, stated that the money came directly from Renan Filho, not from any government transfers.  Read Article

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Launches Campaign against Sexual Abuse of Minors

On February 6, 2013, O Dia reported that the Vice-Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, together with the head of the Human Rights Department of the federal government, is launching a campaign in time for Rio’s annual Carnaval celebration targeted at speaking up against sexual exploitation of minors and adolescents.  The ceremony will feature various artistic […]

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Brazil: International Anti-Trafficking Campaign Receives 80 Calls in 2012

On February 5, 2013, Diário do Nordeste reported that the Ligue 180 campaign, aimed at combating the trafficking of women from Brazil to Europe, received 80 accusations in 2012.  Six of these calls came from women living in Rio de Janeiro state, five from Ceará (the most of any state in the Northeast), five from […]

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Brazil: Highway Police Seize 435 Kilograms of Marijuana

On January 29, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police (PRF) seized approximately 435 kilograms of marijuana from a Fiat en route to Santa Catarina, after a brief car chase.  The car was caught in Santa Terezinha do Itaipu, about 25 kilometers northeast of the Brazilian border at Iguazu Falls.  The suspect, a 34 year-old man […]

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Brazil plans to eliminate Federal taxes on staple foods

The Brazilian government plans to eliminate all federal taxes on staple foods, said Tuesday President Dilma Rousseff, extending a series of tax breaks aimed at containing inflation. Rousseff said in a radio program that federal taxes had already been eliminated for the rice and beans, the staple food of the country’s workers, but other foods […]

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Brazil: Police in Ceará Bust Couple Transporting Drugs

On February 4, 2013, O Povo reported that Federal Highway Police along BR-116 made a drug bust last Saturday when it seized 22 kilograms of marijuana from a couple traveling by interstate bus between the towns of Jijoca and Jericoacoara, in the northeastern state of Ceará.  Police caught them in Jaguaribe, about 300 kilometers from […]

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Civil Police in Tocantins, Brazil, Make Largest Drug Bust of Year

On February 4, 2013, Surgiu reported that civil authorities in the city of Palmas, the capital of Tocantins, arrested a woman in possession of some 50 kilograms of marijuana.  The suspect, Maria Cristina Thomazi Bordin, was taken to the local Women’s Prison, where she faces drug trafficking charges.  Bordin was arrested on a bus operating […]

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Kiss Nightclub Fire a Product of Our Own Choices, Brazilian Sociologist Opines

On January 28, 2013, the Brazilian sociologist Sergio Abranches produced an opinion piece that addressed the tragedy in the nightclub in Santa Maria that killed 237 people.  In the article he wrote that we already knew such events were going to happen, and that we can only blame ourselves for the tragedy’s magnitude.  We already […]

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Police Seize 4,000 Ecstasy Pills in Southern Brazil

On February 4, 2013, O Dia reported that the Federal Police arrested a man carrying some 4,000 ecstasy pills en route to distribute them to various parts of southern Brazil.  The man was caught at Iguazu Falls, which connects Brazil to Argentina.  Police intelligence discovered the man, a resident of Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, as […]

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Two Gangs Suspected of Human Trafficking Disbanded in Brazil

On February 2, 2013, Alagoas 24 Hours Reported that Federal Police have managed to arrest and disband members of two prominent gangs involved in the trafficking of women between Brazil and Spain.  These actions have led to the rescue of no less than 40 women over a seven-month period.  The statistics also come as part […]

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Police Barracks Attacked in Santa Catarina, Brazil; Suspect Injured, Arrested

On February 4, 2013, Gazeta do Povo reported that a police barracks in São José, Santa Catarina, was attacked last night as part of a recent string of incidents involving firearms throughout the state. In this attack, the gunmen shot at the barracks from a motorcycle and attempted to flee. Police recovered and captured the […]

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Inflation Reaches Twelve Month Total of 5.61% in Brazil

On February 4, 2013, iG reported that inflation statistics have been published, and the price index showed a rise of 5.61% between February 2012 and January 2013.  The report comes from the Federal Institute of Economic Research (FIPE).  According to the numbers, the biggest culprit was basic food purchases, of which items in the price […]

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Brazil: culture of fatalism involving tragedies that could have been prevented

New York Times….. Sérgio Abranches, a sociologist in Rio de Janeiro, said in a scathing essay about the nightclub fire and the sense of fatalism with which Brazilians often react to such preventable disasters. Of course, Brazil is far from the only country forced to confront such issues. Just in the last decade, lethal nightclub […]

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Brazil plans on purchasing anti-aircraft systems from Russia

news.yahoo.com – Brazil’s Defense Ministry said it will recommend the government buy anti-aircraft defense systems from Russia pending advanced talks with Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev this month. The ministry said in a statement on its website late on Friday it hoped to acquire Russian anti-aircraft systems and would present a proposal to President Dilma Rousseff […]

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Dengue Outbreak in Brazil: Three Dead, Eight More Suspected Cases

On February 1, 2013, Campo Grande News reported that the Health Department of Mato Grosso do Sul has confirmed three deaths from dengue fever, as well as eight more suspected cases.  The victims were located in various parts of the capital, Campo Grande, as well as the town of Aquidauana.  This year the illness has […]

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Courts in São Paulo, Brazil, Eliminate Living Allowance for 94 State Deputies

On February 1, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that state courts have halted monthly payments of R$2,250 to state deputies in the State of São Paulo, citing a lack of regulation and monitoring of the funds.  Some deputies received the allowance in spite of only living just a neighborhood or two away from […]

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Brazil: Renan Calheiros Elected President of Federal Senate for Second Time

On February 1, 2013, G1 reported that with 56 votes, Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL) was formally elected as the new President of the Federal Senate.  This election comes amid a hotly contested race with fellow Senator Pedro Taques (PDT-MT), who received just 18 votes.  Four other votes were for other candidates or null votes.  It marks […]

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Brazilian Couple Arrested on Human Trafficking Charges in Salvador

On January 30, 2013, G1 reported that a Brazilian couple was arrested for participating in human trafficking.  This action comes the on same day as the Federal Police’s announcement of a joint human trafficking investigation with the Spanish National Police.  The couple was found by means of an anonymous tip.  According to Federal Police, the […]

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Pair Arrested in Mato Grosso, Brazil, with 80 Kilograms of Drugs

On January 31, 2013, G1 reported that two men were arrested today in Cáceres, about 250 kilometers from the state capital of Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, for drug possession.  The men were found with 80 kilograms of cocaine base, and were arrested in a patch of shrubbery.  Three other men were also spotted, but they escaped […]

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Brazil: Police Seize Drugs from Bus Traveler in Mato Grosso do Sul

On January 31, 2013, the State Police of Mato Grosso do Sul reported that its Frontier Operations Department (DOF) seized a cache of drugs during a routine search in the region of Ponto Porã.  The suspect, identified by the initials C.S., was carrying two bags containing close to 17 kilograms of marijuana and half a […]

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Federal Prosecutors Seek Damages against Brazilian Company in Pará

On January 31, 2013, Diário do Pará reported that federal prosecutors are asking federal courts to take legal action against a Brazilian company for a breach of contract with local indigenous leaders.  The area in question is located in Belo Monte, about 850 kilometers from Belém, the capital of Pará.  Norte Energia S.A. is accused […]

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Brazilian President Rousseff Compares Holocaust to Country’s History of Slavery, Dictatorship

On January 30, 2013, A Tarde reported that Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff spoke at a ceremony honoring Holocaust victims in Brasília Tuesday night, comparing the plight of millions of Jews and other groups to human rights violations committed during Brazil’s history, including those committed during the military dictatorship period.  She celebrated the creation of the […]

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State of Paraná, Brazil, Registers One Homicide Every Three Hours, Report Concludes

On January 31, 2013, Gazeta do Povo reported that the state of Paraná announced its crime statistics for 2012, through its Public Security Ministry (SESP).  The report found that Paraná registered 3,135 homicides, or about one every three hours.  This number represents a rise of 1.6% from the year before.  Curitiba, the capital, had a […]

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Brazil IBGE: Women Earned Less than 75% than Men Earned in 2012

On January 31, 2013, G1 reported that one of Brazil’s major social surveys, the IBGE, has produced economic statistics from 2012.  According to the data, women earned on average roughly 72.7% of what men earned monthly during the calendar year.  The survey was conducted by visiting 45,000 residences in six different major municipalities.  Additionally, darker-skinned […]

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Police in Brazil Conclude Inquiry of Man Involved in Murder of Frenchman

On January 29, 2013, Minas Acontece reported that police have finished an inquiry into the death of a French artist, Jacques Louis Fatosne, murdered in November in Paraguaçu, Minas Gerais state.  His body was found later that month.  The perpetrators, José Luiz de Oliveira and his son (a minor), were questioned but not formally held […]

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Chief of Staff in Niterói, Brazil, Arrested and Charged in Kill-for-Hire Scheme

On January 29, 2013, O Dia reported that the Chief of Staff for city councilman Carlos Macedo (PRP), Mariana Queiroz Soares da Silva, has been arrested and charged for crimes involving a plot to kill former city councilman Lúcio do Nevada (PRP), back in October.  The crime occurred in Niterói, within the metropolitan region of […]

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Police in Paraná, Brazil, Seize 236 Birds in House, Charge Owner

On January 26, 2013, Paraná State Police reported that the state’s Environmental Unit charged and fined a man about R$115,000 for keeping 236 wild and exotic birds in his house without documentation or proper treatment.  The crime occurred in the state capital of Curitiba.  The man stated that he was only keeping the birds to […]

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Brazilian Federal Police Announces Operação Planeta, Aimed against Human Trafficking

On January 30, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Police announced that it will start a new international operation with Spain’s National Police aimed at combating human trafficking.  Nicknamed Operação Planeta (Operation Planet), the operation is aimed at stopping the sex trade between Brazil and Spain, primarily in the business of trafficking Brazilian girls to Spanish clients. […]

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Serial Killer Arrested in São Paulo, Brazil, Accused of Killing Five Prostitutes

On January 30, 2013, Folha de São Paulo reported that local police arrested a man connected to the slaying of five prostitutes in the Eastern Zone of São Paulo.  Local janitor Eduardo Sebastião do Patricínio, 42, was charged with murdering five women over the past three years.  The man confessed to killing the women after […]

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Carnaval in Pernambuco, Brazil, Has 17% More Police in 2013, Authorities Say

On January 30, 2013, NE10 reported that police presence will be increased this year for the state of Pernambuco’s annual Carnaval celebration.  From February 3-13, authorities announced that over 42,000 police units will be deployed in the Recife Metropolitan Area, including over 32,000 policemen and 4,500 firefighters (firefighters are counted within the police ranks).  This […]

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Brazil: Attorney General Confirms Lula Accusation for the First Time

On January 30, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Roberto Gurgel, currently Brazil’s Attorney General, has announced that he will order a formal accusation against ex-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his alleged role in the Mensalão scandal.  After hearing depositions from Marcos Valério Fernandes de Souza, businessman and PT supporter concluded […]

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Brazil: Recordings from Operação Porto Seguro Case Show Relationship Between Politician, Businessman

On January 28, 2013, Veja reported that tapes acquired from the Operação Porto Seguro investigation show a relationship between José Dirceu (PT), Chief of Staff to former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, and Gilberto Miranda, businessman and Workers’ Party supporter.  The recordings show the intimate relationship between Miranda and the PT strongman, including benefits […]

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Comptroller General of Brazil Creates Partnership with Cities to Fight Corruption

On January 28, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that the Comptroller General of Brazil, responsible for monitoring activities within public administration on the federal level, has opened up dialogue with mayors throughout the country to fight corruption.  The effort also has the support of President Dilma Rousseff.  Since August of the past year, […]

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Brazil: State of Maranhão Reports 6,500 Cases of AIDS Since 1985

On January 27, 2013, G1 reported that the state of Maranhão has reported 6,505 cases of AIDS since 1985, with two-thirds of the cases being male, the other third female.  The same study also reported that the majority of the cases happened in the age group 25-49.  Statistics from the State Health Department showed that […]

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Witness Testimonies Begin in Decio Sá Murder Case in Maranhão, Brazil

On January 28, 2013, G1 reported that the judge in the Decio Sá murder case will hear from most of the defendants involved in the incident over the next four days, as well as many of the witnesses.  In all, 56 testimonies will be heard.  Decio Sá was killed in April at a restaurant in […]

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Brazil: Attorney General Presents New Charge against Renan Calheiros

On January 28, 2013, Gazeta do Povo reported that Roberto Gurgel, Brazil’s Attorney General, has created a case against Federal Senator Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL), under investigation for his actions since 2007.  Calheiros is a favorite to become President of the Federal Senate; however, he has been in this place before.  In 2007, Calheiros stepped down […]

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Brazil Nightclub Fire Rio Grande do Sul January 27, 2013 Video Footage

Published on Jan 27, 2013 Video footage shows rescue workers and bystanders pulling people out of a smoke-filled nightclub in a blaze that killed more than 200 people. . Report by Lauren Hood. ——————————————————————– ———————————————————————- ————————————————————————–

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Brazilian Nightclub Fire Leaves 232 Dead in Rio Grande do Sul

On January 27, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that a fire at a nightclub in Santa Maria, in the center of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, left 232 people dead. It already is considered one of the worst tragedies in the history of the state. According to security in the nightclub, […]

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Nine-Year Old Girl Abused by Farmer in Pernambuco, Brazil

On January 26, 2013, NE10 reported that a farmer is accused in the small town of Palmares of sexually abusing a nine-year old girl as she went to play with friends.  Palmares is located about 125 kilometers southwest of Recife, the capital of the state.  The young girl managed to escape, and found police within […]

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Brazil: After New Law, Drunk Driving Incidents Fall 30% in Brasília

On January 25, 2013, G1 reported that the number of drunk drivers fell in Brazil’s Federal District after the passage of the Lei Seca (Dry Law) in December of 2012.  Police conducted an operation between December 21, 2012 and January 20, 2013, in which they stopped 3,000 motorists in Brasília.  Just 140 of those drivers […]

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Police Fine Farmer R$28,000 for Deforestation near Campo Grande, Brazil

On January 25, 2013, Campo Grande News reported that the local Environmental Police fined a farmer R$28,000 for illegal deforestation practices in rural areas around Rochedo, about 75 kilometers north of Campo Grande, the state capital of Mato Grosso do Sul.  The farmer, according to police, had cut down some 114 hectares of protected forest […]

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Murder Rate Rises 40% in São Paulo, Brazil, in 2012

On January 26, 2013, G1 reported that for the first time in twelve years, the homicide rate in São Paulo increased in 2012.  Statistics produced by the local government show that the homicide rate jumped 40% last year, coming after a significant fall in the indexes since the year 2000.  São Paulo reported 1,497 murders […]

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Rio de Janeiro embeds bar codes into sidewalks to assist travelers with information

Rio de Janeiro is mixing technology with tradition to provide tourists information about the city by embedding bar codes into the black and white mosaic sidewalks that are a symbol of the city according to AP. Read Article

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City Councilmen Speak in Natal, Brazil, about Their Salaries

On January 25, 2013, G1 reported that city councilmen in Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte, spoke about a recent salary increase among local government officials that made their salary the highest among any city official in any city capital in Brazil.  This month those councilmen will be paid R$17,000 (about $8,500).  Politicians […]

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Mayor Faces Misuse of Funds Charges in Alagoas, Brazil

On January 25, 2013, G1 reported that Arlindo Garrote, the mayor of Estrela, turned himself into police this morning.  He faces charges of diverting R$1 million in public money.  Also implicated are several ex-cabinet members as well as his mother, the former mayor of the town.  The investigations reported that between 2009 and 2011 the […]

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Federal Government Creates Religious Diversity Committee in Brazil

On January 24, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that the federal government, led by cabinet minister Maria do Rosário, established on Monday the National Committee on Religious Diversity.  This move comes in commemoration of the Day to Combat Religious Intolerance, which is observed on the same day.  The number of accusations of religious […]

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Racism Accusation in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Gains International Attention

On January 24, 2013, R7 reported that an international appeal started by Ronald Munk and Priscilla Celeste has gained worldwide attention through Forbes Magazine and Facebook.  The couple alleges that their adopted son, who is black, was asked to leave a BMW dealership in Rio de Janeiro while the couple was looking at cars.  Priscilla […]

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Courts Eliminate 12,000 Political Offices in São Paulo, Brazil

On January 24, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that the State Attorney General in São Paulo has ordered the elimination of over 12,000 political offices in 78 municipalities between 2008 and 2012, on the grounds that the offices were created illegally.  The courts concluded that such offices were created unconstitutionally, serving to give […]

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Politician Acquitted in Mensalão Charged with New Crime in Minas Gerais, Brazil

On January 22, 2013, Veja reported that Anderson Adauto is under investigation by the State Attorney General’s Office in Minas Gerais for diverting $1.1 million from the city where he served as mayor, Uberaba.  Prosecutors allege that the diversion occurred between 2008 and 2009, after completion of a project in which the company involved asked […]

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Arms Trafficker Arrested in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

On January 23, 2013, Pioneiro reported that a man was arrested bringing guns and ammunition into Brazil from Uruguay and was charged in connection to a string of recent violence and robberies in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil’s southernmost state.  Nilton José Cassol, 54, was apprehended in the town of Cristal with an AK-47 in […]

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Violent Crimes Increase 7.8% in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 2012

On January 23, 2013, R7 reported that the rate of violent crimes in the state of Minas Gerais rose 7.8% in 2012 to 71,737 incidents, from 66,061 in 2011.  The state’s Social Defense Ministry calculated the result using the number of murders, attempted murders, rapes, attempted rapes, robbery, kidnappings and extortion under sequestration.  Ministry Secretary […]

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Police Seize R$500,000 Worth of Cocaine from Trafficker in Curitiba, Brazil

On January 23, 2013, Paraná Online reported that local police arrested a man on Tuesday morning with more than R$500,000 worth of pure cocaine in his house in Curitiba, the capital of Paraná.  Júlio César de Jesus, 47, was found with eleven kilograms of the substance.  Police received various tips and accusations from people in […]

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Attorneys Seek Conviction of Individuals in Human Trafficking Ring in Tocantins, Brazil

On January 22, 2013, Conexão Tocantins reported that federal prosecutors in the Brazilian state of Tocantins are seeking the convictions of a group of individuals suspected to be involved in a human trafficking ring sending young women to Spain.  The ring operated in the city of Gurupi.  The investigation focuses on four groups involved in […]

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Brazil: Settlers Facing Eviction Occupy Lula Institute in São Paulo

On January 23, 2013, O Globo reported that close to 100 people threatened with eviction in the Milton Santos Settlement in Americana, São Paulo state, occupied the Lula Institute in the capital’s South Zone.  Four supporters of the occupation have also declared a hunger strike.  The protesters seek immediate action from Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff […]

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Police Report 60 People Arrested Per Day in Pará, Brazil

On January 23, 2013, Diário do Pará reported that numbers published yesterday by local civil police in the Brazilian state of Pará revealed that sixty people were arrested per day in 2012.  In total, the civil police made nearly 22,000 arrests.  This number represents a 15.5% rise in arrests relative to 2011.  Close to 30% […]

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Brazil claims success in curbing organized crime along borders

Xinuanet.com reported that Brazil’s President Monday highlighted the success of her plan in thwarting organized crime along the border. Dilma Rousseff said in her weekly radio show, “Breakfast with the President,” that authorities have seized more than 3,650 tons of drugs and 2,200 firearms in a year and a half since the Strategic Border Plan […]

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State of Emergency Campo Grande Brazil: Dengue Outbreak

actualidad.rt.com reported that the Brazilian city of Campo Grande has declared a state of emergency before the dengue epidemic, which has added more than 7,600 cases in this city in the southwest of the country from December 30. This measure will strengthen work to combat the epidemic , display means and buy materials without legal […]

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Tourist Warning for Dengue outbreak in areas of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia

For the dengue epidemic in neighboring countries, Argentina prevention extreme Sanjuan8.com reported that the Ministry of Health warned tourists who plan to travel to countries Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia take extra preventive measures against the disease so far this year and caused 317 deaths. The Ministry of Health warned tourists planning to travel to neighboring […]

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Dengue outbreak Mato Grosso Brazil

Brazil faces an epidemic of dengue, a disease that can be fatal and is transmitted by the bite of the female mosquito Aedes aegypti, of African origin but is now widespread throughout much of the tropical regions and equatorial the world. The Aedes albopictus – Asian tiger mosquito – is also a carrier of the […]

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At Least 30 Mayors Face Impeachment Proceedings in Piauí, Brazil

On January 21, 2013, 180 Graus reported that a wave of currently-serving mayors face charges of electoral fraud in the Brazilian state of Piauí.  The Federal Regional Tribunal in the state has called 22 special elections since the 2008 elections, after fraud was discovered in each case.  Three special elections will be held in the […]

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Small Child Assaulted and Killed by Drug Addict in Acre, Brazil

On January 20, 2013, Eco de Notícias reported that a four-year old child was captured, sexually assaulted and killed in Xapuri, a small town about 180 kilometers from Rio Branco, the capital of Acre.  The suspect, Jaisson Moreira Moura, was apprehended minutes after the body was found in his home.  Moura reportedly was friends with […]

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Brazil: Federal Accountability Office Expels 4,000 Public Servants Since 2003

On January 21, 2013, Estado de Minas reported that the federal Controller’s Office counted over 1,400 cases of administrative abuse over the past ten years, leading to the dismissal of over 4,000 employees in that same time period.  The office also recorded 158 cases of illegal public appointments.  The Controller’s Office oversees all activity done […]

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Internet Hacker Gang Arrested in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

On January 20, 2013, O Globo reported that police arrested a gang of middle-class university students responsible for the diversion of over $2 million over the past two years.  The gang defrauded bank accounts, moving funds to accounts of friends and family.  The money was then withdrawn immediately, to avoid suspicion.  The group was charged […]

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Number of Missing Persons Rises 33% in Cuiabá, Brazil, in 2012

On January 21, 2013, 24 Horas News reported a rise in missing persons in Cuiabá, the capital of Mato Grosso, in 2012.  Local police counted 785 reports of individuals of all ages disappearing, 33% more than in 2011 (590).  Investigator Lauriane Cristina de Oliveira attributes the numbers to more teenagers running away from home, as […]

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Brazil: Operation Paraná Summer Concludes, Police Report Statistics

On January 18, 2013, the State Police of Paraná concluded Operation Paraná Summer (Operação Verão Paraná), declaring it a success.  Between December 20, 2012 and January 17, 2013, police interacted with more than 10,000 people, arresting about 400.  It also seized 6 kilograms of marijuana, 81 grams of cocaine and 490 rocks of crack cocaine. […]

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Homicide Rate Increases 12.5% in Salvador, Brazil, in 2012

On January 20, 2013, A Tarde reported that the homicide rate for the Salvador Metropolitan Area increased 12.5% in 2012.  Monthly reports from the local Public Security Office and news data from November and December counted 2,391 deaths, 300 more than in 2011.  Public Security will not comment on the numbers until official statistics for […]

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Brazil: Lula Voted Most Corrupt Politician of 2012

On January 20, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that ex-President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was voted the most corrupt politician of the year 2012.  The poll was conducted by the July 31 Movement, an internet anti-corruption movement.  Lula was accused earlier this year by convicted businessman Marcos Valério of being involved in […]

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São Paulo Businessman Ordered to Return $28 Million to Brazil

On January 18, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Paulo Maluf, businessman and political boss in the São Paulo area, will have to return roughly $28 million that he was keeping offshore in Jersey, one of the Channel Islands between Britain and France.  Courts in Jersey announced the decision.  He also will have […]

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Police Discover Drug Refinery in Apartment in São Paulo, Brazil

On January 16, 2013, São Paulo Police reported that a large drug refinery was discovered in the North Zone of the city of São Paulo.  Police discovered the refinery after arresting a suspect on the street who presented false documentation.  While held, the man admitted that he was a manager of a drug trafficking ring, […]

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Brazil: Federal Police Concludes Operation Ajubá, Routs Drug Gang in Paraná

On January 9, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal) concluded a massive anti-drug campaign in the state of Paraná, Operation Ajubá.  Over six months of investigation, Federal Police seized four tons of marijuana, 136 kilograms of cocaine and 336 bottles of inhalants.  They also arrested ten people:  eight men, two women.  The gang maintained […]

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Brazil: Courts Strike Down Land Donations in Wake of Political Scandal

On January 18, 2013, TNH1 reported that a local judge annulled the donations of 200 parcels of land made by the city of Chã Preta, in the state of Alagoas, to residents of the city.  Prosecutors in the nearby city of Viçosa discovered irregularities in the donations, as many parcels went to supposed voters in […]

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Brazil: Indigenous group blocks truckers with illegal timber harvested from their lands

greenpeace.org reported that trucks filled with timber from illegal logging operations in the Amazon have been stopped in their tracks by an indigenous village protesting the continued exploitation of their lands. With little or no support from the local or federal authorities, the Pukobjê-Gavião people in Maranhão state, Brazil, are refusing to stand aside as […]

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Youth Filmed Killing Another Man in LAN House Arrested in Manaus, Brazil

On January 17, 2013, G1 reported that an 18 year-old man was arrested in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas, on charges that he killed a man in a local LAN house.  The footage came from video surveillance within the LAN house.  The killer, whose name was not given, was wanted for four other murders before […]

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Brazilian Technology Developed to Track Deforestation in Rainforest

On January 17, 2013, Região Noroeste reported that new technology has been developed that can help detect the cutting down of even one tree in Brazil.  Researchers at Orbisat have produced radar technology that will be inserted into satellites and airplanes used to track changes in the rainforest.  The technology’s test run will be overseeing […]

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Police Discover Illegal Deforestation Area in Pará, Brazil

On January 17, 2013, Diário do Pará reported that police arrested a man, Sandro Rodrigues, involved in an illegal deforestation scheme in the northeast of the Brazilian state of Pará.  Police found the man in Bacarena, a small town close to Belém, the state capital, and he led them to the site, where they also […]

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Federal Police Capture Gang Leader in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

On January 8, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal) reported that it arrested the leader of a gang involved in a series of robberies throughout the interior of the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.  The gang leader was arrested in Natal, the capital, but the name was not released.  Police used information […]

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Brazil: External Relations Refuses to Divulge Salaries of Employees

On January 17, 2013, O Globo reported that Itamaraty, the Federal Department of External Relations, remains the last federal agency yet to state the salaries of its employees. The release of public salaries comes as a product of a May 2012 freedom of information law. As of now, Itamaraty (named after the palace in Brasília […]

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Policemen Arrested for Murdering Teenager in São Paulo, Brazil

On January 17, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that four policemen were arrested Monday for suspected involvement in the murder of an adolescent.  The adolescent was determined to be 16 years old, and the crime occurred in the eastern zone of São Paulo on Sunday morning, around 12:30am.  The teenager was involved in […]

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Former Mayor in Paraná, Brazil, Loses Political Rights Until 2020

On January 16, 2013, Folha de São Paulo reported that electoral courts in Paraná have suspended the political rights of José Borba (PP) until October of 2020.  Borba was the mayor of Jandaia do Sul, a city about 400 kilometers from the state capital of Curitiba.  Borba was convicted on Tuesday for abuse of power […]

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Brazilian Workers’ Party to Hold Dinner to Raise Money for Mensalão Fines

On January 17, 2013, R7 reported that a group of bosses within the Workers’ Party (PT) is promoting a dinner to be held in Brasília on Thursday night to raise money to cover the fines for those convicted in the Mensalão scandal.  Several prominent PT members such as José Genoino, Delúbio Soares and José Dirceu […]

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Organized Crime Boss Arrested in São Paulo, Brazil

On January 17, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Odemir Francisco dos Santos, 32, leader of the infamous Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC), was arrested last night in the center of São Paulo.  Dos Santos has been a fugitive from the law since his escape from confinement in Rio Grande do Sul, where […]

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Twitter to open office in Sao Paulo Brazil

Twitter is opening up an office in the largest city in South America, Reuters reports. “We believe our new office in Brazil will allow us to get closer to the users and show the value of our platform,” the company’s new country manager for Brazil, Guilherme Ribenboim, told Reuters. Read Article

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Brazil: two British women detained in attempt to smuggle cocaine

Telegraph.co.uk reported that two British women are being held by police in Brazil after allegedly trying to smuggle almost 8lbs of cocaine through customs. The women, both believed to be 23-years-old, were arrested at Guarulhos airport in Sao Paulo en route to London. They were stopped at the boarding gate after sniffer dogs indicated they […]

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Police Arrest Woman in Sergipe, Brazil, Suspected of Dealing Drugs to Politician

On January 16, 2013, NE Noticias reported that a woman was arrested in Aracaju, the capital of the Brazilian state of Sergipe, for dealing drugs near a local hospital.  The suspected buyers are city councilman Adriano Feitoza and his brother, Damião.  The dealer, Luana Ferreira dos Santos, also ran for city council in the nearby […]

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Brazil: A Second Challenger Arises to Face Calheiros in Federal Senate Elections

On January 16, 2013, O Diário reported that Pedro Taques (PDT-MT) will run as a challenger for the President of the Federal Senate, the second one reported in the race to compete against favorite Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL).  Taques said that if an independent candidate does not arise from the PMDB, he will run to serve […]

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Brazil: President of Federal Senate Faces Electoral Challenge

On January 15, 2013, DM.com.br reported that Renan Calheiros (PMDB-AL) will have a challenger in the elections for President of the Federal Senate, to be held by secret ballot on February 1.  Senator Randolfe Rodrigues (PSOL-AP), with the support of ten independent senators, announced his candidacy yesterday, calling on members to seek reform.  The independent […]

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Bandits with Knives Rob Tollbooth in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

On January 16, 2013, Zero Hora reported that a trio of thieves armed with knives robbed a tollbooth along BR-386 near the town of Fazenda Vilanova, located roughly 100 kilometers from Porto Alegre, the state capital of Rio Grande do Sul.  The assault occurred around 8pm last night, near kilometer marker 310.  The men made […]

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Teenager in Brazil Arrested on Highway with 7.6 Kilograms of Marijuana

On January 16, 2013, NE10 reported that a 15 year-old girl was arrested Tuesday night with a stash of marijuana weighing roughly 16 ½ pounds in São José de Mipubú, a town about 30 kilometers from Natal, the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Norte.  She was traveling on the highway near São […]

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Brazil: Pastor Accused of Child Rape Gives Interview in Recife

On January 16, 2013, NE10 reported that TV Jornal conducted an interview with Isac Bento Campelo, 30, accused with his wife, Ana Carla Domingos Gomes, 28, of sexually abusing four adolescent churchgoers between the ages of 12 and 17.  In the interview Campelo dismissed the accusations of some of the families, but did admit to […]

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Police Close Drug Route in Tocantins, Brazil; Two Arrested

On January 16, 2013, Conexão Tocantins reported that authorities discovered and closed down a drug selling point in Porto Nacional, roughly 70 kilometers south of Palmas, the state capital of Tocantins.  Police arrested two men, Willian Alves de Freitas and José Lopes Sampaio, on drug trafficking and accessory charges.  Police discovered Alves de Freitas and […]

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Mayor Impeached for Illegal Actions in Jandaia do Sul, Paraná, Brazil

On January 16, 2013, TNOnline reported that the mayor of Jandaia do Sul, Dejair Valério (PTC), and his deputy, Leandro de Souza Silva (PSD), were relieved of their posts by electoral courts.  This decision comes after the two were found guilty of a scheme in which they passed laws readjusting the salaries of 296 municipal […]

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City Councilman Arrested For Attacking Adolescent in Pará, Brazil

On January 16, 2013, Diário do Pará reported that a city councilman in the city of Curuá was arrested for assault and making death threats towards a 17-year old boy.  Diego Pereira de Araújo, 25, was accused of attacking and threatening the boy at a local market where the boy worked.  Araújo hit the boy […]

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Ex-Mayors Suspected of Corruption Scheme in Espírito Santo, Brazil

On January 15, 2013, Folha Vitória reported that 24 people, including seven former mayors, were arrested and charged for their involvement in a massive corruption scheme across various towns in Espírito Santo, a state just to the northeast of Rio de Janeiro.  They were taken to Vitória, the state’s capital, where they were asked to […]

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Brazil: Truth Commission Receives New Documents from Rio Grande do Sul

On January 15, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that the National Truth Commission, established last year by President Dilma Rousseff to investigate episodes of human rights violations between 1946 and 1988, received documents from the government of the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul regarding a recently slain military colonel, Júlio Miguel […]

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Federal Prosecutors Charge Journalist, Professor, Students with Drug Trafficking in Bahia, Brazil

On January 14, 2013, NE10 reported that federal prosecutors have charged a group of individuals with drug trafficking in Vitória da Conquista, a city about 500 kilometers southwest of Salvador, in the Brazilian state of Bahia.  The activity was discovered through correspondences between branches of the Federal Police in the area.  A package was left […]

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Teenagers Apprehended after Murdering Policeman in Fortaleza, Brazil

On January 14, 2013, Diário do Nordeste reported that three teenagers were arrested after killing a policeman, Francisco Luis Granjeiro, on Saturday.  The murder occurred in Jangurussu, a neighborhood in Fortaleza, the capital of Ceará.  The policeman was on break Saturday morning when the teenagers accosted him, seeking to steal his motorcycle.  Before he could […]

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Federal Electoral Tribunal Spends R$3.8 million in Overtime Pay in Brazil

On January 14, 2013, Gazeta do Povo reported that Brazil’s Federal Electoral Tribunal (TSE) spent R$3.8 million in overtime pay to 567 employees in the month of November.  Between September and November, the total was R$9.8 million.  Moreover, 161 of those employees received between R$26,000 and R$64,000 in the month of November, signifying a lack […]

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Attorney General Opens Investigation against ex-Mayor of São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

On January 11, 2013, O Imparcial reported that Maranhão’s Attorney General, Regina Rocha, has opened a commission to investigate expenses made by the former Mayor of São Luís, João Castelo (PSDB). It marks the first action done by the Attorney General’s new task force, created to investigate possible improprieties in the public administration of São […]

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Man Suspected of Child Sexual Abuse in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

On January 12, 2013, Campo Grande News reported that an 80 year-old man was arrested on charges of sexually abusing a 9 year-old girl in the Brazilian city of Naviraí, about 350 km from Campo Grande, the capital of Mato Grosso do Sul.  The girl was sleeping on a mattress on the floor next to […]

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Brazilian Deputy Delays Court Action Requiring Disclosure of Unreported Assets

On January 13, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Henrique Eduardo Alves (PMDB-RN), favored to be the next Speaker of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, has been accused of hiding money abroad by the Brazil’s Department of Justice (MPF).  On November 19, the First District of the Federal Regional Tribunal (TRF) met with […]

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