The rights to freedom of expression and peaceful protest are under threat in Brazil, said Amnesty International today, two months ahead of the start of the 2014 Football World Cup.

 

The Brazilian government is currently attempting to push draconian “anti-terror” laws through parliament, a move which signals their intention to crackdown on any peaceful protests in the country.

Amnesty has been monitoring events in the run up to the World Cup. Issues include:

• New proposed laws on “terrorism” and “disorder” which put the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly at risk in Brazil.

• Excessive use of force by police during last year’s demonstrations.

• Police and military occupation of favelas in Rio de Janeiro raise concerns about the excessive use of force and the military control of communities.

• The total disregard for human rights in evictions in Rio de Janeiro to make way for construction works for the World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Atila Roque, Director Amnesty International Brazil, said:

“The excessive use of force by Brazilian police in response to the widespread protests last year resulted in many people injured. Rather than training the police in how to deal with peaceful mass protests, the government’s response has been to criminalize protesters, giving the security services carte blanche to arrest and detain people at will. New laws have been proposed that threaten the right to freedom of expression. This is not just about the World Cup but will have long-term consequences for any future peaceful protests.”