TNAG-0652-FCO40-801-Planning-Staff-papers-on-human-rights-and-foreign-policy-cou-1977 — Page 35

BRAZIL (continued)

CONFIDENTIAL

Right No.

(iv)

(v)

Rating suggested by Post

There is tight control over television and radio but the press is, with a few exceptions, permitted to be critical of the Government and indeed to refer to the activities of the censors, although direct attacks on the regime tend to be punished. People speak very freely in private, but are generally more careful in public.

There are both civil and military courts. The Civil judges on the whole enjoy a reasonable reputation for impartiality. Security offences are normally tried in camera by military courts which must be regarded as subject to direction from the regime

6

4

(vi)

There is substantial government control over the Trade Unions. Wage rates are negotiated between the unions and

7

employers associations but must be within limits approved by the Government. Notice of intention to strike must be

(vii)

given and strikes are in practice normally prevented by compulsory arbitration.

There are no restrictions on emigration for political reasons. For balance of payments reasons the Government this year introduced legislation requiring anyone wanting to obtain a passport to deposit CR$12,000 (£600 approx) for 12 months. This does not prevent Brazilians in possession of identity documents from crossing into Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.

CONFIDENTIAL