Brazil Bill proposes treason crime with up to 20 years in prison

Bill 3362/26, currently under analysis in the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies, proposes the formal introduction of the crime of treason into the Penal Code. The bill, authored by deputies Rogério Correia, Alencar Santana, and Lindbergh Farias, establishes prison sentences ranging from 8 to 20 years, plus fines, for actions that compromise Brazil’s sovereignty, security, or strategic interests in favor of foreign nations or organizations.

Specific punishable conducts include the leaking or provision of classified strategic information, particularly during sensitive periods such as government transitions, power vacuums, or institutional crises. The proposal also criminalizes the negotiation or facilitation of the transfer of natural resources, critical infrastructure, public assets, or national wealth to foreign interests in a manner harmful to the country. Additionally, it targets the financing or facilitation of foreign interference in the three branches of government, the electoral process, the Armed Forces, public policy, or public opinion.

Penalties may be increased by one-third to one-half if the crime is committed by a public official, involves co-authorship with foreigners, or causes severe damage to the economy, defense, or international image. In cases involving declared war, states of siege, states of defense, or electoral periods, the penalty would be doubled. To become law, the bill must pass through thematic committees, including Foreign Relations and National Defense, before proceeding to the Senate.