On December 18, 2024, Brazil's Justice Minister Ricardo Lewandowski Revokes Bolsonaro's Portaria Expanding Polícia Rodoviária Federal Powers

Dec 18, 2024, 08:05 PM

Ricardo Lewandowski, the Minister of Justice and Public Security in Brazil, has revoked a controversial portaria from former President Jair Bolsonaro that had expanded the powers of the Polícia Rodoviária Federal (PRF). The new directive explicitly prohibits PRF officers from performing functions that are considered exclusive to federal and civil police forces. This change aims to clarify the roles of law enforcement agencies in Brazil, ensuring that investigative powers remain with the designated judicial police. The revocation was officially announced on December 18, 2024, and reflects a shift in the government's approach to policing and public safety.