Stricter penalties for crimes against children, adolescents

Brazilian legislation aimed at protecting children and adolescents from violence has been reinforced with the passing of a law that amends the Penal Code, the Heinous Crimes Law, and the Child and Adolescent Statute, thereby imposing stricter penalties for crimes committed against this segment of the population.

One significant change is the increased punishment for murder committed against children under 14 in educational institutions, with the penalty being raised by two-thirds. The law also mandates criminal record checks for all employees working in environments where activities involving children and adolescents take place.

Another amendment introduces a five-year prison sentence for individuals responsible for online communities or social media that induce suicide or self-harm in individuals under 18 or those with diminished capacity to resist. Additionally, practices such as kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, and trafficking of children and adolescents are now classified as heinous crimes.

Furthermore, the law defines the crimes of bullying and cyberbullying, stipulating a prison term of two to four years for offenses committed in digital environments that do not constitute serious crimes.

Individuals found guilty of producing, transmitting or displaying pornographic content involving children and adolescents will face imprisonment ranging from four to eight years, along with fines.

These amendments take immediate effect upon the law’s publication.