International press echoes designation of CV and PCC as terrorists

The designation of the Brazilian factions CV (Comando Vermelho) and PCC (Primeiro Comando da Capital) as "Specially Designated Global Terrorists" by the United States Department of State, announced on Thursday (28), was highlighted in the international press.

American newspapers such as The New York Times and The Washington Post reported on the Trump administration's decision, highlighting the role of the two organizations in drug trafficking. Vehicles such as Al Jazeera and France 24 also highlighted the ad.

The statement, signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, also states that the US intends to designate the two criminal groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations as of June 5.

"His influence and illicit networks extend far beyond Brazil's borders, throughout our region and into our country," says the American report.

The New York Times talks about the influence of Senator Flávio Bolsonaro (PL) on the decision: "After new pressure from Bolsonaros, US classifies Brazilian gangs as terrorist groups", highlights the headline of the report.

"The measure comes just days after two of Mr. Bolsonaro's sons, one of whom plans to run for president later this year, visited Mr. Trump at the White House," the outlet reports.

After meeting with President Donald Trump, in the Oval Office of the White House, Flávio stated on Tuesday (26) that he asked the American president for the two factions to be classified as terrorist organizations.

The article recalls the pressure exerted by former president Jair Bolsonaro's children on the Trump administration asking for the measure, highlighting Jair's support for the American leader.

The Washington Post pointed out that Comando Vermelho and Primeiro Comando da Capital are the "two largest drug trafficking gangs in Brazil"

According to the newspaper, although Flávio Bolsonaro made the request, his candidacy for President "is at risk after he admitted to having received money from a disgraced banker".

The Post also noted that Lula previously said he was against the designation, stating that it would be "interference to favor his electoral rival".

Analysis: PCC and CV as terrorists target Lula's weak spot; understand | WW

Al Jazeera, based in Qatar, pointed to the measure as an "initiative by President Donald Trump to blur the distinction between criminal and terrorist activities."

"[...] the decision to designate two Brazilian criminal groups as criminal organizations will probably cause major repercussions in the politics of the South American country, where a fierce presidential election is underway", also highlighting the October elections.

The France 24 report recalls that the USA made the same decision with other countries. "The United States began designating criminal gangs - such as the Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels in Mexico and the Tren de Aragua in Venezuela - as terrorists when Trump took office in January 2025."

Argentine La Nacion also covered the news, highlighting President Lula: "The United States declares the Brazilian criminal factions PCC and CV as terrorist organizations, despite Lula's opposition."

What are the consequences of the measure?
Both classifications generate asset freezes, but they have some differences.

With the Specially Designated Global Terrorists classification, any transaction or dealing by U.S. persons or within the United States in blocked property or "interest in property" is prohibited, including, making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods or services to or for the benefit of individuals or entities covered by the classification, for example.

With the classification of a Foreign Terrorist Organization, it becomes illegal for a person in the United States or "subject to U.S. jurisdiction" to knowingly provide material support or resources to the designated group.

In addition, foreign members or "representatives" of a Foreign Terrorist Organization are prohibited from entering the United States and, under "certain circumstances," may be deported.

*with information from Danilo Moliterno, Duda Cambraia, Jussara Soares and Vinícius Murad, from CNN, Brasília and São Paulo

Source: CNN