MST’s CPI is ready to be installed and awaits authorization from the mayor, Arthur Lira

The number of invasions in the first three months of Lula’s government already exceeds the numbers recorded during the entire first year of former President Bolsonaro’s administration. Throughout 2019, 11 invasions of rural private properties were recorded in the country. While in the first two months of 2023, under the Lula government, Brazil has already registered 13 invasions, according to data from the National Institute for Colonization and Agrarian Reform (Incra).

For the parliamentarian, the high rates of invasions justify the opening of the CPI. “We are witnessing true crimes. Invasions often with the practice of violence. Sometimes we hear ‘they invaded, but was the land productive or not?’, this assessment is not up to the Landless Movement (MST) or the National Force for the Fight (FNL).

The deputy also points out that there is a provision for agrarian reform in the Constitution. “But we need to respect the producers, farmers and the Constitution. Being objective, we are going to investigate the invasions throughout the national scene, we are going to check also the financiers”, he announces.

Zucco claims that the mayor, Arthur Lira, is totally against any type of criminal invasion. “The information I have is that he, as a parliamentarian, is totally opposed to any type of criminal invasion. This is the signal we have, made to the president of the FPA, deputy Pedro Lupion. But I have no doubts, because we followed the rite legal and internal regulations of the house”.

The author of the request also points out that 171 signatures were expected and that they, the defenders of the CPI, could certainly be above 200. “When the regimental number was given, I already entered the protocol. in the regiment”.

He considers that there is no legal reason for the CPI not to be instituted. Zucco argues that the CPI is important for “field security” and that it is important to investigate who is behind the movements that engage in invasions.

Project allows removal of invaders without court order

Another measure being discussed in the Chamber of Deputies is bill 8262/17, which aims to guarantee the protection of private property and establishes measures for the removal of invaders from rural areas. Federal deputy Marcel van Hattem (Novo) presented an urgent request for the PL to be voted by the plenary of the House. “With the approval of the project, repossession will be quicker. This will bring peace and security to the countryside and cities”, he analyzes.

Land invasion can be typified as terrorism

Federal deputy Alberto Fraga (PL) also condemns the recent illegal invasions of productive lands and reinforces the need for the National Congress to speed up the analysis of bills that deal with combating these actions in Brazil. Fraga is the author of bill 149/2003, which punishes violent crimes more rigorously and expands the definition of terrorism to include attacks against public or private property.

Currently, the law against terrorism punishes those who commit attacks against the life or physical integrity of a person, in addition to acts of sabotage in the operation of specific public facilities, such as means of communication, transportation and essential services. The deputy explains that the proposal closes the gaps provided for in current legislation. “This project meets the true desires of society, at the same time it puts our criminal legislation on the same level as more developed countries”.

The proposal awaits analysis by the Constitution, Justice and Citizenship Commission (CCJC) of the Chamber of Deputies. Among other points, PL 149/2003 considers terrorism to be violent acts, threats or simulations that “aim to promote social or generalized terror”, exposing people, public or private property, public order and diplomatic representations to danger. Penalties range from two to 30 years in prison.

Positioning of the FPA

The Parliamentary Front for Agriculture (FPA), one of the largest groups in the National Congress, has taken a stand against land invasions and defended the protection of private property. According to the president of the bench, deputy Pedro Lupion (PP-PR), the invasions harm not only the owners of rural areas, but also agricultural production and the creation of jobs in the countryside.

“This is something that Brazil has not seen for a long time and that does not fit into 2023. Society does not accept it, there are no conditions to justify the invasion of private property, productive property, it is a true absurdity”, he emphasizes.

Parliamentary Committees of Inquiry

The parliamentary commissions of inquiry (CPI) are temporary. And they can also act during the parliamentary recess. They have a period of 120 days, extendable by up to half, upon deliberation by the Plenary, to complete their work. At the request of at least one third of the total number of members of the House, around 172 signatures are created.

In the case of a joint parliamentary commission of inquiry (CPMI), the subscription of one third of the total number of members of the Senate is also required. And it will be composed of an equal number of members of the two legislative houses.

The CPIs and CPMIs are intended to investigate facts of relevant interest to public life and to the constitutional, legal, economic or social order of the country. They have investigative powers equivalent to those of the judicial authorities, such as determining steps, hearing defendants, questioning witnesses, requesting information and documents from public administration bodies and entities.

These commissions may also request the hearing of state deputies and ministers, take depositions from federal, state and municipal authorities, as well as request the services of any authorities, including police officers.

In addition, missions can travel to any point in the national territory to carry out investigations and public hearings . It is up to these commissions to also stipulate a deadline for complying with any measure or carrying out due diligence under the penalties of the law, except when under the jurisdiction of a judicial authority.