Organizations from the Pacto pela Democracia Network respond to the United States’ designation of Brazilian criminal factions as Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

The decision by the U.S. Department of State to designate the criminal factions Comando Vermelho (CV) and Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) as terrorist organizations, announced following a meeting between presidential pre-candidate Flávio Bolsonaro and Donald Trump, raises concerns about the political interests that may be associated with the measure. In response, Pacto pela Democracia reaffirms its unwavering defense of national sovereignty, particularly in a decisive year for the future of democracy in Brazil.

Presented as a measure to combat organized crime, the designation of these factions as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) under U.S. law, effective June 5, could be used to justify sanctions, expand mechanisms of diplomatic pressure, and open the door to interference in Brazil’s domestic affairs, including its elections.

Combating organized crime requires legitimate international cooperation, developed with respect for national institutions and aimed at strengthening the Brazilian State’s capacity—not unilateral initiatives that undermine national autonomy or increase the possibility of foreign political interference.

Public security experts have already questioned the effectiveness of the measure and warned of its potential impact on Brazil’s sovereignty, a foundation of the Federative Republic of Brazil and a guiding principle of its international relations. Furthermore, the designation could significantly affect Brazil’s banking and financial sectors by increasing the possibility of arbitrary U.S. sanctions against Brazilian banks, companies, and institutions, including those with indirect ties. More seriously, its implementation could deepen the criminalization of families, residents, movements, and civil society organizations working in already vulnerable communities, as the U.S. experience itself has demonstrated.

The decision also concerns Brazil’s right to conduct its democratic processes without external pressure or attempts to influence its political future. In an election year, the rhetoric of combating organized crime must not be used to justify actions that threaten the autonomy of the Brazilian State, undermine fundamental rights, or set precedents for interference in matters that fall exclusively within the country’s authority.

In a context marked by the rise of authoritarianism and the political instrumentalization of institutional violence and mechanisms of economic, diplomatic, and institutional pressure, it is essential to reaffirm that no political project—domestic or foreign—may take precedence over the rule of law and the democratic construction of free and sovereign institutions agreed upon by all Brazilians since October 5, 1988.

Pacto pela Democracia will remain vigilant in defending democratic institutions, national sovereignty, and the construction of a country free from authoritarianism, external threats, and attempts at political intimidation.

SIGNATORIES TO THIS STATEMENT:

  1. Aláfia Lab
  2. Aliança Brazil Office
  3. Aliança Nacional LGBTI+
  4. Bonde
  5. BrCidades
  6. Centro de Convivência É de lei
  7. Coalizão Brasil por Memória, Verdade, Justiça, Reparação e Democracia
  8. Conectas Direitos Humanos
  9. Clima de Política
  10. Delibera Brasil
  11. Escola da Democracia
  12. Frente Ampla Democrática pelos Direitos Humanos – FADDH
  13. Frente de Evangélicos pelo Estado de Direito
  14. Instituto Alziras
  15. Instituto Democracia e Sustentabilidade – IDS
  16. Instituto Democracia em Xeque
  17. Instituto de Defesa do Direito de Defesa – IDDD
  18. Instituto de Estudos Socioeconômicos – INESC
  19. Instituto Foz
  20. Instituto Lamparina
  21. Instituto Marielle Franco – IMF
  22. Instituto Sou da Paz
  23. Instituto Terra, Trabalho e Cidadania – ITTC
  24. Kurytiba Metropole
  25. Movimento Negro Evangélico do Brasil
  26. Nonada Jornalismo
  27. Observatório do Marajó
  28. Open Knowledge Brasil
  29. Pensamento Nacional das Bases Empresariais – PNBE
  30. Plataforma Brasileira de Política de Drogas – PBPD
  31. Plataforma JUSTA
  32. ponteAponte
  33. Rede Conhecimento Social
  34. Rede Justiça Criminal
  35. Sleeping Giants Brasil
  36. Transparência Eleitoral Brasil – TEB
  37. 4Daddy