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Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

Iran Press TV

Brazil to set up ministry of public security

Iran Press TV

Sat Feb 17, 2018 06:02PM

Brazilian President Michel Temer has announced a plan to set up a ministry in his government to deal with public security.

Temer told the media on Sunday that the plans are meant to coordinate efforts for battling violent crimes across Brazil.

“We must join forces to combat crime,” said Temer in Rio de Janeiro after discussing with local authorities a decree that has placed the military in charge of the state's security operations.

The Brazilian leader, who has suffered fierce criticisms about the inability of his administration to contain rampant crime, said the new ministry would be established in the next few weeks. Temer gave no further details but reports said the Brazilian Congress would approve the initiative next week.

During his talks in Rio de Janeiro, Temer appointed Army General Walter Souza Braga Netto to lead the security intervention of the military in the crime-plagued state of Rio. Netto was also in charge of coordinating security when the city hosted the 2016 Olympic Games.

The military had been partially involved in ensuring security in Rio which is the most populous state in Brazil. It now takes full control after Temer’s Friday decree and Netto will directly report to Temer and not the local authorities. The mission will continue until end of Temer's term as president on December 31 and even with the formation of a new public security ministry.

Devolving Rio’s security to the military is also inspired by Temer’s pledges to fight corruption in the police forces. Experts say the vow is a bid to divert public attention from increasing allegations of corruption that has gripped Temer’s own administration.



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