Brazilian government unveils intelligence plan to stem violent protests

The Brazilian government Thursday announced in Brasilia the creation of a special intelligence plan to handle the violent protests which have occurred recently in the country's large cities, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. The decision was announced after a meeting between Justice Minister Jose Eduardo Cardozo and representatives of the public security secretariats of both Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Cardozo said the four-pronged plan called for an intelligence group to prevent and punish violence and vandalism at protests, the creation of a standard protocol to guide police actions, the creation of joint operation groups between the Public Prosecutor's Office and the police to handle protests, gathering legal experts to discuss changes to legislation. The federal and state governments have already shared intelligence information, he said, and will be expanding that cooperation. Brazil saw a surge of massive protests in June, which later died down. In Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, however, protests continued, with several demands, and episodes of widespread violence and vandalism. The protesters frequently accused police of abusing power and used violence against police officers. Earlier this week, Presidency Secretary-General Gilberto Carvalho said the government wanted to understand the demands of protesters and take action to them. He stressed, however, that the police forces would continue to repress violence and vandalism when necessary.