Vote on project on the use of weapons by the Rio Municipal Guard is postponed

The vote on the Bill on the use of weapons by the Rio de Janeiro Municipal Guard in the Chamber was postponed until this Thursday (27). The text was scheduled to be discussed this Tuesday afternoon (26).

The document ensures the use of weapons with offensive potential designed to “prevent acts of aggression against public security agents”.

The permission would initially be intended for municipal guards from the Special Operations Group, Mobile Tactical Group or those assigned to the mayor’s Military House. The use of weapons is optional.

The Amendment to Organic Law 23/2018 that will be discussed is authored by councilor Doctor Gilberto (Solidarity) and Felipe Michel (Progressive).

The draft text of the project was carried out jointly by 21 councilors, including Carlos Bolsonaro (PL), son of the former President of the Republic.

Tendencies

In a hearing held last month, the City of Rio de Janeiro demonstrated that it was in favor of the Bill. The Municipal Secretary of Public Order, Brenno Carnevale, stated that studies and planning for adoption already existed.

“The Municipal Guard is already part of the public security system and the change in legislation would correspond to federal legislation. In addition to Rio, only Recife does not use weapons,” he stated.

However, the text was criticized by the Federal Public Ministry (MPF), Public Defender’s Office and councilors. The bodies understand that the project could constitute a misuse of the Municipal Guard’s function and pose risks to public safety.

The project was also criticized by the representative of the United Movement of Camelôs (Muca), Cristina de Oliveira. “I was attacked by the Municipal Guard […] she is not prepared to use a non-lethal weapon, let alone a lethal one.”