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Brazil: Federal Deputy in Tocantins Assaulted, Has Car Stolen

On April 12, 2013, Conexão Tocantins reported that Osvaldo Reis (PMDB), federal deputy from the state of Tocantins, was assaulted this weekend by thieves near the city of Imperatriz. They stole his truck, a Toyota Hilux, as well as close to R$10,000 worth of personal items. Police had to chase the suspects all the way into the state of Maranhão, where at least one was finally caught after an exchange of gunfire. Thiago Mariano Pereira dos Santos, 31, was arrested after the shootout and confessed to being part of the gang. The other men were caught later, and the report identifies them as Lorinho and Baixim. Read Article

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Squatters Claim New Property near Maceió, Brazil

On April 15, 2013, TNH1 reported that a group of squatters near the northeastern city of Maceió have occupied a space of land on Jeguiá da Praia, about 65 kilometers from the city. Marcos Antonio da Silva, known as “Marrom,” said that the government expropriated the land two years ago for the landless, but never […]

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Police in Pernambuco, Brazil, Make Biggest Drug Bust of Year on Sertão

On April 14, 2013, NE10 reported that authorities in the Brazilian state of Pernambuco made the biggest single drug bust of the year so far in the state, seizing some 209 kilograms of marijuana. The drugs were discovered in the town of Floresta, in the interior of the state. Two men were arrested and charged […]

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Task Force in Acre, Brazil, To Address Situation of Haitian Refugees

On April 15, 2013, Agência Brasil reported that a task force has been launched in the Brazilian state of Acre to help 1,400 displaced Haitians. They entered the country after the 2010 Haitian earthquakes. According to the federal Minister of Justice Paulo Abrão, the task force is divided into three teams. The first will address […]

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Brazil: Ex-Governor of São Paulo Will Testify In Carandiru Massacre Case

On April 15, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Luiz Antonio Fleury Filho, former governor of São Paulo, will testify as a defense witness for several members of the state’s Polícia Militar regarding their role in the 1992 Carandiru prison massacre. The entire case will be divided among two different juries: one jury […]

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São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil, to Build 1,000 New Public Housing Units

On April 12, 2013, O Imparcial reported that the mayor of São Luís, Edivaldo Holanda (PTC), signed an agreement today with Bank of Brazil to build 1,000 new housing units in the neighborhood of Tajaçuaba. It is estimated that São Luís suffers from a deficit of 85,000 housing units available for its population. The project […]

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Violence in Maceió, Brazil, Leaves Four Youths Dead in 12 Hours

On April 12, 2013, TNH1 reported that four young people were killed in the northeastern city of Maceió, Alagoas, in the past twelve hours after a series of incidents. Among the victims were a 13 year-old who was killed while hanging out with friends in a local park. The violence marks an already rising murder […]

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Investigation Begins in Brazil Regarding Lula’s Role in Mensalão Scandal

On April 12, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Luíz Inácio Lula da Silva, former President of Brazil, will be the subject of a new investigation by the federal Attorney General’s office regarding his role in the mensalão scandal. Authorities have 30 days to investigate accusations made by Marcos Valério, businessman and ringleader […]

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Flu Vaccine Campaign Launched in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil

On April 11, 2013, NE10 reported that the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Norte will launch next Monday (4/15) a campaign to combat influenza.  On April 20, state health authorities predict that close to 585,000 citizens in the state will be vaccinated.  Authorities said that the main focus will be those 60 years of […]

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Neo-Nazi in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, To Be Investigated for Violent Actions

On April 11, 2013, Globo reported that a neo-Nazi living in the Brazilian city of Belo Horizonte is now under investigation for photos he posted on his Facebook. Antonio Donato Baudson Peret, 24, posted on his Facebook an image of himself choking a homeless man with a chain, making reference to the homeless man doing […]

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Brazilian Highway Police Makes Multiple Busts in One Day in Minas Gerais

On April 10, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police reported that authorities had a busy Tuesday on the highways in the state of Minas Gerais, seizing over 250 kilograms of marijuana, 100 kilograms of cocaine and derivatives, and hundreds of thousands of Brazilian reais (R$).  In one noteworthy incident in Araxá (BR-262), police arrested a […]

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Study from São Paulo, Brazil, Finds 11.7 Million Brazilians Alcohol Dependent

On April 10, 2013, Agência Brasil reported that a study done at the Federal University of São Paulo (Unifesp) found that 11.7 million Brazilians have alcohol dependency. The study also found that 54% of all alcoholic beverages consumed in the country are consumed by around 20% of the population. Researchers surveyed 149 cities throughout Brazil […]

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: New Fines to be Imposed for Littering

On April 9, 2013, Agência Brasil reported that the city of Rio de Janeiro has approved a new law, effective in July, that will fine people caught littering on city streets. The measure supplements an anti-littering law passed in 2001, which was meant to address a growing public waste disposal concern. The minimum fine will […]

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Robbery-Homicides in São Paulo, Brazil, Increase 114% in 2013

On April 11, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that there has been a significant increase in robbery-homicides (Portuguese: latrocínio) in the city of São Paulo, compared to last year. Analyzing the first two months of 2013 with those of 2012, research found that 30 robbery-homicides were committed in the capital between January and […]

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Brazil retail sales drop February 2013

Retail sales had been expected to rise 1.2 percent, according to the median estimate of 21 economists polled by Reuters. Forecasts ranged from flat sales to a 2.8 percent rise. Read Article

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Brazil state of Acre state of emergency, surge of illegal immigrants

The Brazilian state of Acre has declared a state of emergency after a surge of illegal immigrants from neighbouring Bolivia and Peru. Officials said most of the immigrants originally came from Haiti but others had come from as far afield as Bangladesh, Senegal and Nigeria. They said about 1,700 illegal migrants had arrived over the […]

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Police in Goiás, Brazil, Arrest Three on Interstate Drug Charges

On April 9, 2013, Mais Goiás reported that three men were arrested today and charged with interstate drug trafficking. They were arrested near a car wash in Itumbiara, Goiás, that specializes in washing buses and large trucks. The men had been using the car wash as a base to deal drugs. What tipped the officers […]

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Judge Orders Suspension of Mayor in Ceará, Brazil, Over Corruption Scandal

On April 9, 2013, Folha de São Paulo reported that a judge in the state of Ceará has ordered the immediate suspension of the mayor of Quixeramobim, Cirilo Pimenta, and his vice-mayor, Tarsus Borges, on corruption charges. The suspension will last 180 days, and a special session will help to replace the executives for the […]

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Gay Brazilian Federal Deputy Faces Death Threats

On April 9, 2013, A Tarde reported that Jean Wyllys, federal deputy from Bahia and member of the Socialism and Freedom Party (PSOL), has requested police protection after receiving death threats. The death threats are linked to Mr. Wyllys’ homosexuality and support for gay rights in Brazil. Mr. Wyllys is a former winner of Big […]

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At Least 13 Brazilian States to be Investigated for School Lunch Fraud

On April 9, 2013, O Globo reported that state and federal public ministries throughout Brazil are investigating the quality of public school lunches.  Authorities noticed irregularities in Espírito Santo last week regarding diversion of funds and the mishandling of food, but investigations are also being launched in 12 other states.  In the state of Rio […]

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Minor Suspect in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tourist Rape Case Arrested

On April 8, 2013, G1 reported that the local Child and Protective Services Delegation (DPCA) in Rio de Janeiro has arrested a young suspect connected to a recent sexual assault case in the city.  Police had been searching for him since the incident.  He was found in a shelter in the center of the city. […]

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Marijuana shipment seized in Paraguay, headed for Brazil

pedrojuannews.com reported that agents of the 9th Commissioner of the colony Chieriguelo and anti narcotics agents of the National Police Amambay, arrested two youths with a load of marijuana in the 5th General Bernardino Caballero route. The two arrested were identified as Jose Augusto Martinez Pana (26) and Daniel Pavon Camping (25) who were on […]

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Historic Drought in Northeastern Brazil Destroys Rural Economy

On April 7, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that the drought this year in northeastern Brazil has reached dramatic proportions, to the point of bringing about the collapse of the rural economy throughout the region. Federal income redistribution programs have been helpful in abating the short-term pain, but they mask the problem of […]

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Police in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Seek Rape Suspect in New Van Incident

On April 6, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that police in Rio de Janeiro are searching for a man suspected of raping a woman in a van in São Gonçalo, within the Rio Metropolitan Region. The man held her at gunpoint, ordered the vehicle to a deserted location, and sexually abused the woman. […]

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State of Bahia, Brazil, Collects 2nd Highest Gun Count in National Campaign

On April 6, 2013, A Tarde reported that the state of Bahia recorded the second-highest number of guns turned over to authorities out of Brazil’s 26 states, with only São Paulo collecting more. The collection is part of a national disarmament campaign. Bahia collected 1,380 illegal firearms between the beginning of this year and the […]

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New Brazilian Law Mandates Obligatory Pre-school Education

On April 5, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that the Brazilian government has introduced a new law that makes pre-school mandatory for children. The law requires children to be enrolled in school once they turn four years old. It replaces a previous law that required that children start school at the age of […]

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Rio de Janeiro Brazil: Nine German visitors robbed on tourist bus near famous Christ statue

Brazil: gunmen assault tourist van, robbing German tourists in Rio de Janeiro As reported by Montrealgazette.com Brazilian police say gunmen have attacked a tourist van and robbed nine German tourists visiting Rio de Janeiro. Police say in a brief statement the incident occurred Thursday. Gunmen forced the tourists’ van to stop as it was approaching […]

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Police in Vitória, Brazil, Arrest Gang Connected to Truck Robberies

On April 5, 2013, Folha Vitória reported that police arrested members of a local gang suspected of a string of truck robberies in Vitória, capital of the state of Espírito Santo. Among the trio, fifty year-old Sebastião Francisco Bacelar is a repeat offender and well known by the police. He presented false documents to the […]

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Police Operation in Bahia, Brazil, Nets 2,500 Kilograms of Illegal Explosives

On April 5, 2013, A Tarde reported that a joint police force in the state of Bahia announced the results of a police operation seeking explosives. After surveying 23 municipalities, Operation Vulcan looked at 30 different companies in the state with connections to the sale of explosives, and police fined 14 of them. Eight of […]

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Brazil: High School Students Caught with Marijuana Hidden in Motorcycle Chassis

On April 4, 2013, Alagoas 24 Hours reported that a pair of high school students were arrested in the town of Marechal Deodoro, Alagoas state, after police found them at the door of their school with marijuana.  The marijuana, police discovered, had been hidden in an adapted chassis within the Honda Biz motorcycle.  Upon discovery, […]

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Brazilian Pastor/Politician Makes Sermon, Addresses Gay Rights Protesters

On April 4, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that pastor Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP), federal deputy and head of the Chamber of Deputies’ Human Rights Commission, traveled to Salvador yesterday and made a sermon to a local Baptist church. He was met at the location by protesters from the Gay Group of Bahia (GGB), […]

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LGBT Assault Cases in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Under Local Police Jurisdiction

On April 4, 2013, Agência Brasil reported that homophobia-related cases in Rio de Janeiro now fall under the jurisdiction of the local police. The local Coordination Office for the Protection of Sexual Diversity (CEDS) will now pass all of its information to the Rio de Janeiro Civil Police, in an effort to strengthen public policy […]

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Brazilian Scientists Confirm Significant Seismic Activity in Northeast

On April 4, 2013, Portal ORM reported that scientists at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) have confirmed that the Brazilian northeast has experienced earthquakes in the past few days.  Scientists recorded three episodes of earthquakes, the most recent being yesterday (4/3).  Scientists recorded an earthquake of magnitude 4.9.  The epicenter of […]

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$42 Million Bridge Project in Recife, Brazil, Terminated

On April 4, 2013, NE10 reported that four important bridge projects that were supposed to divert traffic over a busy avenue in Recife, the Avenida Agamenon Magalhães, were terminated in favor of other things.  The projects drew criticism and protests from residents and urban critics alike, creating controversy at various public hearings regarding the bridges. […]

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Brazil: Netflix to increase monthly subscription price

Netflix Forced to Increase Monthly Service Costs in Brazil Netflix, the world’s largest online streaming video service, states it will increase monthly services from R $14.99 to R $16.90 for new subscribers as means of adding additional movies and TV shows to its services. Already registered subscribers will continue to pay the original same value […]

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São Paulo, Brazil, Declared 2nd Most Expensive City to Own a Car

On April 4, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that a recent study done by The Economist shows São Paulo to be the 2nd most expensive metropolis in the world to own a car.  In the research, The Economist selected 14 metropoli.  São Paulo was second to Shanghai, China.  The study considered first the […]

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African gangs using mail, courier services in Brazil to smuggle drugs to Europe

According to noticias.uol.com.br African gangs; primarily Nigerians, are using postal services in Brazil, to smuggle small amounts of cocaine to countries such as Spain, China, and the United Kingdom, where overseas operating networks have expanded the illegal trade. Due to Brazil’s strategic location with neighboring cocaine-producing countries, in addition to its frequent flights to Europe, […]

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Brazilian Army to Begin Project to Target Drug Trafficking Along Border

On April 2, 2013, Midiamax reported that the Brazilian Army is initiating a project in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul to combat drug and arms trafficking along the Brazil-Paraguay border. Approximately 50 soldiers will be deployed in Mato Grosso do Sul, and their route will include roughly 600 kilometers of roads and waterways. […]

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Guaíra, Brazil: Federal Police Seizes 300 Kilograms of Contraband Paraguayan Pesticides

On April 3, 2013, Portal Guaíra reported that the Brazilian Federal Police arrested a man and seized two vehicles late last night in the city of Guaíra, close to the Brazil-Paraguay border. Inside the two vehicles police discovered approximately 300 kilograms of illegal pesticides. The pesticides were confirmed to be of Paraguayan origin. The detained […]

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Police Seize Military-Grade Weapons and Drugs in Mato Grosso, Brazil

On April 3, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police reported that authorities seized a cache of weapons and drugs in Cuiabá, capital of the state of Mato Grosso. Among the weapons, police found a military-grade, Israeli-made rifle restricted in Brazil for use by armed forces. They also found 50 kilograms of cocaine base. The motorist […]

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Fortaleza, Brazil: All 26 Public Homeless Shelters Overcrowded

On April 3, 2013, Diário do Nordeste did a special report about the overcrowding of homeless shelters in Fortaleza, the capital city of the state of Ceará.  It covers the story of a two-year old girl, abandoned by her mother, in which neighbors take the child to a homeless shelter.  City authorities currently are unable […]

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Violent Crime Rate in Minas Gerais, Brazil, Up 20% in 2013

On April 3, 2013, R7 reported that the number of violent crimes in March 2013 was 20% higher than in March 2012.  According to the State Social Defense Ministry (SEDS), authorities reported 7,380 violent crimes, which also represented a 14% rise from February 2013.  This grouping follows seven different types of crimes:  homicides, attempted homicides, […]

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Bus Crash in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Kills At Least Seven

On April 3, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that a bus fell from the Brigadeiro Trompowski overpass on Governor’s Island in Rio de Janeiro yesterday afternoon, killing at least seven and leaving an unknown number injured. The bus was traveling along the 328 bus line, also known as the Bananal-Castelo line. The overpass […]

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State of Paraná, Brazil, Reports Dengue Epidemic in 52 Municipalities

On April 1, 2013, G1 reported that health officials in the state of Paraná have declared health epidemics in 52 municipalities concerning dengue. Since August of 2012, 17,175 cases have been reported, 16,086 of which were registered in 2013 alone. Nine people have died as a result of the cases.  The Health Ministry continues to […]

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U.S. tourist raped Rio de Janeiro Brazil, two suspects arrested

On April 1, 2013, globo.com reported that a pair of men suspected of raping a foreign tourist were arrested on Saturday by local police. The two men are accused of having boarded a van in which the woman, 23, and her boyfriend were traveling the previous Saturday. Authorities indicated that the tourist are Americans (U.S.). […]

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Ten People Held Hostage in House in Santa Catarina, Brazil

On April 1, 2013, Diário Catarinense reported that ten people, all of the same family, were held hostage on Easter Sunday by a mentally deranged man in Chapecó, in the western part of the state of Santa Catarina. The man was dealing with issues of estrangement from his wife. The woman was not with the […]

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Brazilian President Rousseff Establishes Federal Microenterprise Department

On April 1, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff signed into law this morning the creation of the Ministry of Micro and Small Enterprise, the 39th ministry she is responsible for creating since 2011. The ministry will begin with a budget of approximately R$7.9 million and will employ a […]

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Police Sergeant Suspected of Assaulting Woman on Northeastern Brazilian Highway

On March 31, 2013, G1 reported that a police sergeant with a 21-year career with the Polícia Militar of Rio Grande do Norte was arrested in connection with a rape.  According to a police spokesman, the officer denies the crime, but admitted to paying the woman R$50 for the sexual encounter.  In testimony, the woman […]

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Police in Fortaleza, Brazil, Investigate Members of Prominent Bank Robber Gang

On March 31, 2013, Diário do Nordeste reported that police in the Brazilian city of Fortaleza are investigating a gang of bank robbers after arresting the head of the gang. Police arrested Antônio Carlos dos Santos, the “Tornado”, earlier this week as part of a local intelligence operation. “Tornado” has a long list of crimes […]

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Brazilian Federal Police Opens Operation to Combat Federal Financial Crimes

On March 27, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal) concluded an investigation into crimes involving federal financial agencies. Codenamed “Operation Pícaro,” Federal Police targeted two groups in particular: one group was accused of defrauding the Brazilian Federal Economic Register (Caixa) to obtain money to purchase automobiles, while the other received the autos. The operation […]

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Hospital in Cuiabá, Brazil, to be Investigated for Diversion of Funds

On March 31, 2013, 24 Horas News reported that a hospital in Cuiabá, in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso, has turned in documents necessary to investigate its purchase of medications necessary to its operations.  According to Kamil Hussein Fares (PDT), Municipal Health Secretary, the fraud involved with the purchases dates back many years, and […]

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São Luís, Brazil, Hotels Register Lowest Occupancy Rates in Recent Years

On March 30, 2013, O Imparcial reported that hotel occupancy rates in the Brazilian city of São Luís have diminished to levels that have brought panic.  According to the president of the local hotel industry association, João Barros Filho, lower-than-average numbers since August 2012 fell to near crisis numbers during Carnaval.  Some hotels reported just […]

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Police in Brazil Seize 3,000 Munitions Headed for Rio de Janeiro

On March 28, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police reported that it seized a shipment of over 3,000 bullets and other munitions headed for Rio de Janeiro. The seizure was made after police stopped a car on the Trans-Brazilian Highway, in the city of Ourinhos, São Paulo state. The two men operating the vehicle were […]

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Protesters in Brazil Beat Effigy of Marco Feliciano with Sticks

On March 30, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that protesters in the Brazilian federal capital of Brasília participated in the annual Malhação de Judas (Beating of Judas), in anticipation for Easter tomorrow.  Around 50 protesters used sticks to beat various effigies of political figures, including newly elected Human Rights Commission President Marco Feliciano […]

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Residents in Florianópolis, Brazil, Complain about Deforestation Practices

On March 26, 2013, Terra reported that residents of the city of Florianópolis, capital city of the state of Santa Catarina, are complaining to authorities over deforestation practices done near Campeche beach. This past weekend residents caught a backhoe digging up protected land, discovering dead animals and permanent damage to nearly 1.5 square kilometers of […]

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Brazil: Evangelical Pastor Feliciano Holds First Human Rights Commission Meeting

On March 27, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that federal deputy Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP), Evangelical pastor and President of the Chamber of Deputies’ Human Rights Commission, conducted his first meeting yesterday without interruption from protesters.  Mr. Feliciano conducted a debate about how to help residents of the city of Santo Amaro da Purificação, […]

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Cattle Slaughter Up 8% in Brazil Despite Northeast Drought

On March 27, 2013, Cidade Verde reported that cattle slaughter continues to be on the rise in Brazil, in spite of a recent severe drought in the Northeast. IBGE released a study that found that farmers slaughtered 8% more cattle in 2012 than they did in 2011. The Northeast, however, saw a decrease in heads […]

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Worst Drought in 40 Years Hits Northeastern Brazil Economy Hard

On March 22, 2013, Jornal da Globo reported about the drought in the Brazilian northeast this past January/February. Nine hundred people from 36 rural communities have banded together in the state of Piauí to create honey as an alternative to raise money for the water they cannot use to raise neither cattle nor crops. The […]

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Police Bust Man in Paraná, Brazil, with 400 Kilograms of Cocaine

On March 21, 2013, G1 reported that police in the state of Paraná arrested a man yesterday with 400 kilograms of cocaine and 20 kilograms of crack in his car. The bust happened in Céu Azul, in the west of the state. Police say that the drugs were hidden in sacks of farinha which were […]

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Italian Citizen Shot in Head in Curitiba, Brazil

On March 21, 2013, G1 reported that an Italian man living in the city of Curitiba was shot in the head Thursday afternoon after a robbery attempt.  He was taken to Evangelical Hospital in the city, where he died early this morning.  The robbery happened just two blocks from the victim’s house.  Police spokesman Rubens […]

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Santa Catarina, Brazil: Police Seize More Than Half a Ton of Marijuana

On March 20, 2013, Radio Liberdade reported that police in the state of Santa Catarina found more than half a ton of marijuana camouflaged in a truck.  The arrest was made in Mafra, in the north of the state.  According to the report, the truck failed to stop during a Federal Highway Police traffic stop, […]

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Brazilian Pastor Refuses to Resign Human Rights Commission Leadership

On March 22, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Marco Feliciano (PSC-SP), an evangelical pastor known for past remarks involving homosexuals and blacks in Brazil, has refused requests to resign his post in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies.  Mr. Feliciano serves as head of the Human Rights Commission.  Henrique Eduardo Alves (PMDB-RN), President […]

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Rio de Janeiro Brazil: death toll 28 from heavy rains, landslides

info7.com.mx reported that the death toll as a result of heavy rains that occurred in Rio de Janeiro rose to 28, after it was confirmed desceso a person in Petrópolis, one of the neighborhoods most affected by landslides. Heavy rains that hit the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro far left 28 dead, four missing […]

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Policeman Accused of Assaulting Stepchildren in Sergipe, Brazil

On March 20, 2013, SENoticias reported that a civil policeman in the northeastern town of Nossa Senhora do Socorro was arrested and jailed on Monday for allegedly assaulting his two stepchildren sexually.  The two teenagers’ names were not released, but they are 19 and 16 years old, respectively.  Both have made a statement to the […]

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Transvestite in Brazil Arrested with 1.7 Kilograms of Cocaine in Underwear

On March 20, 2013, Nota Pajos (Globo) reported that a transvestite in the Brazilian city of Campinas was arrested yesterday at Viracopos International Airport while trying to transport 1.7 kilograms of cocaine in his underwear. The suspect’s destination was Brussels. The suspect also said that he would have received around R$10,000 for the drugs’ safe […]

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Brazil: Government of Amazonas to Extend Agriculture Program to 23 New Cities

On March 19, 2013, Portal Tabatinga reported that the state government of Amazonas plans to invest in 23 new municipalities this year, as part of an effort to promote indigenous farming.  The project will entail the donation of seeds, technical assistance, and monetary investment to indigenous farmers in order to boost the local economies.  The […]

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134 Women in Amazonas, Brazil, Arrested in First Two Months of 2013

On March 19, 2013, D24AM reported that the number of women arrested so far in the year 2013 is 134, up 41% from the same time period last year.  The report notes that many women are the wives and girlfriends of other perpetrators, and many are pulled into crime through emotional and mental bonds with […]

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Repeat Drug Trafficker Arrested in Bahia, Brazil; Police Suspect Gang Activity

On March 19, 2013, A Tarde reported that police in the Bahian city of Vitória da Conquista arrested a local drug dealer after catching him consuming marijuana.  He also had drugs in tow, looking to sell them.  Police found Alan Gomes Fonseca Pereira in a house in Conquista, a house which police say served as […]

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Rain Causes 600 to Flee in Duque de Caxias, Brazil

On March 19, 2013, Jornal do Brasil reported that recent rains in the state of Rio de Janeiro have left some 600 people without a home for the time being, while at least 250 of them have found refuge in makeshift city shelters, says mayor Alexandre Cardoso.  The houses affected by the flooding were near […]

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Brazilian Government Spends R$488 Million on Obesity Programs per Year

On March 19, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that a study done at the University of Brasília showed that the Brazilian government spends around R$488 million on average on health programs targeted towards obesity.  Data was analyzed surrounding medium and high risk treatment cases involving 26 diseases associated with obesity, such as heart […]

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Police in Campo Grande, Brazil Investigate Potential Corruption in Hospitals

On March 19, 2013, Terra reported that police in the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul are currently investigating a string of suspicious payments made for services in hospitals in the state capital, Campo Grande.  Local courts have already ordered the removal of several members of one hospital’s board for improper use of authority […]

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House Robbery Gang Disbanded, Arrested in Belo Horizonte, Brazil

On March 19, 2013, Estado de Minas reported that police completed an operation over the weekend that resulted in the disbanding and arrest of a prominent Belo Horizonte gang that specialized in house robberies.  Members are the gang are suspected of performing at least eight robberies since September.  Five of them have been arrested, while […]

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Prominent São Paulo, Brazil, Politician/Businessman Maluf to Be Investigated for Corruption

On March 19, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Paulo Maluf, federal deputy and former Governor of the state of São Paulo, will be investigated by the Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF) for using personal monies to cover unreported campaign expenses. In his 2010 re-election campaign, preliminary investigations allege that Maluf failed to report […]

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Rio de Janeiro declares state of emergency for dengue

The state of Rio de Janeiro declared emergency in 36 municipalities because there were almost 42,000 cases of possible infection. So far, the government of Rio de Janeiro no fatalities have been reported in the official statistics, although the possibility exists that has, since not all patients know they have dengue. Frequent rains during this […]

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Brazil, Mexico to eliminate short term visa requirement between both countries

The governments of Mexico and Brazil agreed on Monday to remove the short-stay visa for the passports of their citizens in order to facilitate migration between the two nations. A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), this measure is the result of agreements made by the Mexican president, Enrique Peña Nieto, and his […]

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Rio de Janeiro, at least 13 people were killed by heavy rains

In Rio de Janeiro, at least 13 people were killed by heavy rains telesurtv.ne reported that the governor of Rio de Janeiro, Sergio Cabral, reported that at least 140 families were moved to safe houses, which are outside the areas of risk, while the mayor of Petrópolis declared a state of emergency. Heavy rains in […]

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Couple Arrested with Suitcases of Marijuana in Espírito Santo, Brazil

On March 18, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police reported that a couple was arrested on a bus headed from São Paulo to Vitória, the capital of the state of Espírito Santo, with three suitcases of marijuana in tow.  Highway Police boarded the bus during a routine search close to Guarapari, a city about 47 […]

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Violence Against Seniors Rises 30.5% in Fortaleza, Brazil, in 2012

On March 18, 2013, O Povo reported that a study done in Fortaleza, the capital of the state of Ceará, registered some 949 attacks against senior citizens in the city. The number marks a 30.5% rise from 2011. Most of the cases reported, however, are settled out of court, according to the report. Between 2006 […]

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Brazil: Report Suggests that Ignoring Human Trafficking Favors Its Survival

On March 16, 2013, A Tarde reported about the nature of reporting a crime involving human trafficking. A state attorney from Bahia, Vladimir Aras, said that a strong majority of victims do not report human trafficking crimes to authorities because they are afraid of the threats that they receive.  Moreover, according to Adriano Figueiredo, head […]

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Brazil to be Monitored by Intergovernmental Financial Organization

On March 18, 2013, O Estado de Minas reported that officials from the International Financial Action Group (GAFI), an intergovernmental body created to monitor financial activity throughout the world, will be going to Brazil in June to do a study on the country’s financial and legal system.  GAFI also made a visit in 2010, in […]

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Police Seize Over Half a Ton of Drugs in Minas Gerais, Brazil

On March 15, 2013, R7 reported that state police in Minas Gerais seized over 600 kilograms of marijuana in the city of Ituiutuba, about 700 kilometers west of Belo Horizonte, the capital.  The drugs were discovered in an abandoned car.  Police believe some of the drugs had been buried, as the packages appeared to be […]

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Police Operation in Bahia, Brazil, Nets over One Ton of Drugs

On March 14, 2013, A Tarde reported that police in the state of Bahia seized over one ton of illegal drugs from a group of traffickers in Santo Estevão, along federal highway BR-116. Police arrested six men and two women and seized four cars. All of the cars were equipped with transmission radios. The drugs […]

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Police Discover Half a Ton of Drugs in São Paulo, Brazil, Bunker

On March 15, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that police in the state of São Paulo have discovered close to a half a ton of drugs, along with 30 firearms, in a bunker in Juquitiba, a town about 78 kilometers from the city of São Paulo.  No one was arrested, and police were […]

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Highway Police Seize 62 Kilograms of Cocaine Paste in Brazil

On March 12, 2013, the Brazilian Federal Highway Police reported that it seized 62 kilograms of cocaine paste from a car in Santa Isabel, part of the São Paulo Metropolitan Area.  The car was en route from Iguazu Falls, Paraná state, to Rio de Janeiro.  The driver presented forged documents to highway police, while the […]

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City Council in Maceió, Brazil, to Disclose Former Mayor’s Pay Sheet

On March 14, 2013, TNH1 reported that city council in the northeastern city of Maceió, Alagoas state, will disclose pay records of Mário Guimarães, former mayor of Maceió.  According to the current City Council President, Chico Holanda Filho, the information – covering mostly salaries of public servants – will be available from tomorrow (3/15) until […]

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Vatican Wants Brazilian President Dilma at First Papal Mass

On March 14, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Vatican officials, excited over the election of a Latin American to the papacy for the first time in history, are inviting heads of state from every Latin American country to share in Pope Francis’ first Mass.  Sources from Brasília say that Dilma’s presence is […]

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Brazilian Study Links Internet Portals to Fighting Public Sector Corruption

A doctor’s thesis produced at the State University of Rio de Janeiro in 2012 points out the importance of the creation of public sector internet addresses to make information available to the public, in order to fight corruption. The study, done by James Batista Vieira, makes two conclusions: 1) that corruption affects municipal development negatively […]

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Micro-businesses in São Paulo, Brazil, Have Largest Sales Boost in 12 Years

On March 13, 2013, Agência Brasil reported that micro-businesses in the state of São Paulo turned over some R$40.6 billion in the month of January, about 1% better than in January 2012. The increase is not radical, but it represents the highest monthly rate of growth that micro-businesses have sustained since 2001. An economist from […]

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Argentina committed to development of potash mine with or without Brazil company

Argentina is determined to continue the mining project extracting potassium Colorado River (west) “with or without (Brazilian mining company) Vale”, said today the governor of Mendoza, Francisco Perez Two days after the multinational announced the suspension of the works. “Come back for more. The project will carry out. Okay With or without” Perez said during […]

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State of Maranhão, Brazil, to Invest $600 Million in Infrastructure Projects

On March 13, 2013, O Imparcial reported that in the state of Maranhão, Governor Roseana Sarney authorized a bill yesterday that liberated R$600 million to work on infrastructure projects throughout the interior of the state. The installation of these highways will benefit 17 municipalities and will pave approximately 554 kilometers’ worth of roads. Luis Fernando […]

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Nine Cyclists Are Hospitalized Per Day in São Paulo, Brazil

On March 13, 2013, EBC reported that a recent study done by the Health Secretary in the state of São Paulo found that nine cyclists per day in the state are hospitalized due to traffic accidents.  The Secretary’s office reported that last year there were approximately 3,200 traffic accidents in São Paulo state involving cyclists. […]

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Brazil sends moderate signal regarding Venezuela

By leaving Venezuela before Friday’s funeral ceremony for leader Hugo Chávez, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff was once again trying to chart out a more moderate signal to investors and diplomats, plus probably avoiding Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whom contrary to her predecessor Lula da Silva, she has strongly criticized. Rousseff expressed sincere mourning while also […]

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Youth Arrested for Illegal Lobster Fishing in Natal, Brazil

On March 11, 2013, G1 reported that authorities from a prominent Brazilian wildlife resources agency have seized some 150 kilograms of lobsters from a teenage boy in Natal, the capital of Rio Grande do Norte.  The boy and his mother are now required to face charges of environmental crimes.  Lobster fishing on the Brazilian coast, […]

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Highway Police Seize 24 Kilograms of Marijuana from Brazilian Bus Passenger

On March 12, 2013, Diário de Guarapuava reported that police arrested a teenager on a bus last night with close to 24 kilograms of marijuana in her baggage.  The bust was made on BR-277, while the bus was on its way to Ponta Grossa, in the Brazilian state of Paraná.  The drugs were found during […]

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Mayor and Vice Mayor of Brazilian City Sacked, Fined, Barred from Office

On March 12, 2013, Agência Brasil reported that the mayor and vice mayor of the Brazilian city of Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo state, were sacked by electoral courts after it was discovered that they used public workers to run their election campaigns.  Dárcy Vera (PSD) and her vice mayor Marinho Sampaio (PMDB) were convicted on […]

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Transvestite Killed in Brazil During Sexual Act; Killer Leaves Glasses at Scene

On March 11, 2013, 24 Horas News reported that a transvestite in Brazil was killed in the city of Cuiabá, capital of the state of Mato Grosso.  He was found this morning strangled, with the suspect’s glasses stuffed down his throat.  The victim’s name was Alexandre Moura de Mello, or “Shandô,” and he was 31 […]

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President of Brazilian Tribunal Says Banks Are ‘Lenient’ with Money Laundering

On March 11, 2013, O Diário do Grande ABC reported that Joaquim Barbosa, President of the Supreme Federal Tribunal, issued a statement today saying that banks in Brazil are “lenient” when it comes to monitoring money laundering operations.  This statement comes after he was responsible for the judgment of the mensalão scandal, in which 25 […]

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American Visas to Brazilians Fall 26% in February 2013

On March 11, 2013, O Estado de São Paulo reported that Brazilians are starting to receive fewer visas to come to the United States.  Visa numbers in February of 2013 were 26% lower than in February of 2012, an all four visa-issuing American consulates in Brazil (Brasília, Recife, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo) reported […]

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Police Seize 4,100 Fish from Commercial Fisherman in Brazil

On March 8, 2013, the state news agency in Mato Grosso do Sul reported that Environmental Police arrested a commercial fishermen who had 4,100 live fish kept as bait.  The fish came from Paraguay, according to the man.  By legislation, professional fishermen may only catch other fish and keep them as bait if they are […]

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In Brazil, Ten Women Are Assaulted Every Hour

On March 8, 2013, A Tarde reported that in Brazil in 2012, ten women were assaulted every hour in the country.  These numbers come from statistics reported by the federal Women’s Assistance Center’s Ligue 180 campaign.  Physical violence represented the most frequent of the 88,000+ incidents, at 50,236 (56%); other cases included psychological (28%), sexual […]

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