STF approves plan to improve prison conditions

The Federal Supreme Court (STF) decided to approve the Just Penalty Plan, drawn up by the federal government and the National Justice Council (CNJ) to address the problems found in the country’s prisons.

The issue was decided in a virtual plenary session, which ended on Thursday (19).

The initiative was filed in September this year, as part of the action in which the Supreme Court ordered the elaboration of a national plan to combat problems in Brazilian prisons, such as overcrowding of inmates and disputes between factions.

The determination took place in October 2023, when the STF established the unconstitutional state of affairs in Brazil’s prisons.

With the decision, the Union and the states were forced to develop a plan to face the problems of the penitentiary system.

The Pena Justa Plan is made up of four axes that deal with entry control and vacancies in the prison system; quality of services provided and structure, social and political reintegration so as not to repeat the state of unconstitutionality highlighted by the STF.

The plan also presents indicators and targets for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027.