Brazil Senate approves Lula security reform

Brazil's Senate approved a security reform backed by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday, advancing a measure aimed at cracking down on organized crime after insecurity dominated the presidential campaign.

The approval gives Lula another early win after he defeated right-wing rival Flavio Bolsonaro in an October 25 runoff. The measure lets Lula move to fulfil a campaign promise to create a public security ministry.

The text strengthens the federal government's role in dealing with insecurity, an area usually handled by Brazil's states, and directs more resources to anti-crime efforts. It also toughens sentences for leaders and members of criminal factions that control large areas of Brazilian cities, including favelas in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.

Lawmakers removed an article that would have lowered the age of criminal responsibility, which is now 18. They opted to discuss that issue separately.