Brasília - Leandro Despouy, special rapporteur for the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights, said, yesterday (25), that he is in favor of assigning investigative authority to the Public Interest Defense Ministry (MP). "I believe that one of today's tendencies is to confer investigative powers on the Public Interest Defense Ministry," he affirmed, as he presented a preliminary report on his meetings in Brazil.

According to Despouy, Brazil deserves credit on the world stage for having authorized the preparation of the report. "Countries that cooperate with reports have nothing to hide," he emphasized.

The UN rapporteur also said that the high indices of crime and violence need to be curbed. Which can only occur if various sectors of society work together. "A joint action," he argued. Despouy underscores that investigation should not be the monopóly of a few sectors. "Moreover, the police cannot be excluded from this process. It is necessary to define precisely the role of each one," he says. The rapporteur also insists that this question be resolved as quickly as possible, "to ensure the rights of the person under investigation."

The Federal Supreme Court (STF) is expected to decide this year whether the MP will retain the right to conduct investigations and not just present accusations. The STF's decision was interrupted on September 1. The voting at the time was favorable to the MP.

Despouy also pointed out that Brazil has created judicial execution models that could be of service elsewhere in the world. The São Paulo Integrated Center of Citizenship is an example, in his opinion. "Multiple services are offered there. This could be utilized in other countries," he said. He also mentioned the public hearings in Porto Alegre and the public defender's offices in Belem. "They are models for the world," he asserted.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Lílian Macedo
Translator: David Silberstein
10/26/2004