Brazil’s Ascendant, Hard-Line Right Wants to Imprison 16-Year-Olds

The left wing of Brazil’s Legislature has become weak and demoralized, and the “Bullets, Beef and Bible Caucus” is ready to seize power.

The Guardian reports:

These conservative hardliners – from Brazil’s security forces, agricultural sector and evangelical churches – triumphed in last October’s legislative elections, while President Dilma Rousseff, of the leftwing Workers’ Party (PT), only narrowly won re-election.

Over the past few months, the president’s authority has been undermined by a massive corruption scandal, major street protests and the open revolt of many of her former political allies.

With a survey this week showing that 63% of Brazilians would support impeachment proceedings against her, an energised coalition of rightwing deputies are attempting to impose their agenda on Congress.

Their long-term aims include liberalising Brazil’s gun laws and opening up its indigenous territories to industry. But their first goal is to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 18 to 16.

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— Posted by Alexander Reed Kelly.