This archive report was first published on 24 December 2019.
On December 24, 2019, Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro signed a measure pardoning security forces convicted of unintentional crimes, sparking widespread criticism and concerns about impunity and human rights.
The pardon, which was published in the Official Journal on Tuesday, covers those convicted of crimes committed unintentionally by members of the security forces, including police officers and military personnel.
According to the presidency, the pardon also applies to those convicted of crimes committed while off duty, but with the intention of eliminating a present risk to themselves or third parties.
However, those excluded from the order include individuals convicted of serious crimes such as torture, terrorism, or corruption, as well as serious disciplinary infractions.
The move has been met with criticism from human rights groups and opposition politicians, who argue that it will give security forces impunity to commit unlawful killings and human rights abuses.
Brazilian police have long been accused of heavy-handed tactics when tackling crime in poor neighborhoods, known as favelas, and the country has seen a record number of people killed by police in Rio de Janeiro state in the first quarter of the year.
