Brazil introduces law increasing femicide sentences to 40 years

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed into law a bill that increases the potential jail term for femicide to 40 years and prohibits perpetrators of crimes against women from holding public office.

The symbolic signing of the law, approved by Brazil’s lower house in September,  took place at an event at the Planalto presidential palace. The ceremony was attended by several government ministers, including Cida Gonçalves (Women's Affairs), Jorge Messias (Attorney General) and Alexandre Padilha (Institutional Relations).  

Until now, sentences for the crime of femicide ranged from 12 to 30 years in prison, depending on the circumstances of the case. The new law extends this penalty to 40 years' imprisonment. 

Authored by Senator Margareth Buzetti, the bill transforms femicide into a separate criminal offence, instead of keeping it as a form of homicide. The measure increases the penalty, raises the profile of the crime and aims to reduce under-reporting of cases.

The measure also prevents those who have committed crimes against women from holding public office or elected positions. In addition, it increases the penalty for crimes committed because of a woman's sex, such as bodily harm, crimes against honour, threats and failure to comply with a protection measure.

– TIMES/NA