Brazil Enacts Tougher Laws Against Femicide
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed a new bill into law which increases prison terms for femicide to up to 40 years, making it the highest penalty provided for in the Penal Code. This new law typifies femicide as a specific crime separate from homicide, with penalties increased from 12 to 30 years to 20 to 40 years of imprisonment.
Lula emphasized the importance of this new law in the fight against femicide, stating that it also includes new aggravating provisions such as the use of poison, torture, or firearms of restricted use. The law also increases penalties for individuals convicted of domestic violence.
With these stricter laws in place, Brazil is taking significant steps to combat violence against women and ensure justice for victims of femicide.