The Senate approved this Wednesday (26) the bill (PL) 3191/24, which makes it a crime to block streets with barricades to commit or conceal other crimes.
As the text originated in the Chamber of Deputies and was modified in the Senate, it returns for new analysis by the Chamber. If it is subject to presidential sanction, the practice will be considered a crime against the administration of Justice.
The proposal amends the Penal Code to establish the penalty of three to five years in prison and a fine for anyone who obstructs public or private roads with barricades or any other type of obstacle and also for anyone who hinders the free movement of people, goods or services, or the actions of public security forces.
According to the project, marches and political demonstrations with social purposes do not fall under the new classification, that is, critical expression or the demand for constitutional rights and guarantees through marches, meetings, strikes, gatherings or any other form of political demonstration with social purposes will not be considered a crime.
“Obviously, a social demonstration, such as a protest or wall movement, could not constitute a crime, especially because, in this case, the obstruction of the road will not have the objective of committing or concealing crimes”, explained the project’s rapporteur, senator Carlos Portinho (PL-RJ).
