The revelation in 1999 of a vast criminal conspiracy centered in the jungle state of Acre highlighted the lawlessness of Brazil s remote areas and moved Cardoso to take firm measures to combat organized crime. In June, Cardoso s choice for chief of the federal police was forced to resign after holding office for just three days when he was alleged to have participated in the torture of political prisoners during the military regime. Political Rights and Civil Liberties Citizens can change governments through elections. The 1998 elections were considered free and fair, with opposition candidates winning the governorships of three of the biggest states Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul. Congress remains dominated by the executive branch.
Corruption is pervasive at all levels of government.
A 1999 study showed that nepotism is rife in the congress, where one-third of all deputies have placed their wives, children and relatives on the official government payroll. The constitution guarantees freedom of religion and expression and the right to organize political and civic organizations. Cardoso is credited with initiating a marked change in attitudes concerning international criticism on rights issues, from aggressive, nationalistic rejection to dialogue and openness. He created a ministerial-rank secretariat charged with defending human rights. The crime of torture was upgraded from a misdemeanor to a serious crime punishable by up to 16 years in prison.